Weather to remain generally fair today
The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted that the weather in most parts of the country will remain generally fair today.
Light rain or snowfall is likely at one or two parts of the country, with generally cloudy in the mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces.
There will be partially cloudy in the hilly regions , with light rain is likely in a few parts of the country. In the Terai region, the weather will be generally fair, according to the Division.
The weather in the mountainous and hilly areas of Karnali Province will be generally fair, with the possibility of rain in one or two areas.
The weather in the mountainous and hilly areas of Sudurpashchim Province will also be generally fair, with the possibility of light rain or snowfall in one or two parts. In this province, the Tarai region will generally be fair.
Collection of ballot boxes begins
The Election Commission of Nepal has started collecting ballot boxes following the conclusion of the House of Representatives elections.
An official at the EC said that ballot boxes from Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Gorkha, West Rukum, Manang, Bajura and Humla will reach counting centers by Friday morning.
Ballot boxes from remote districts including Taplejung, Rasuwa, Dolakha, Bajhang and East Rukum are being transported today. Authorities said helicopters are being used to move ballot boxes from 15 remote districts.
According to the EC, the elections held today saw around 60 percent voter turnout. The percentage could rise slightly as voting is still continuing in some locations.
Locals boycott elections in Okhaldhunga
Not a single voter had cast a ballot by noon at the polling station at Shahid Smriti Basic School in Manebhanjyang-7, Okhaldhunga District. The polling center, which has 701 registered voters, remained empty during the House of Representatives election.
Locals said they decided to boycott the vote after the government failed to move forward with plans to build a provincial hospital in Harkpur, Toksel. Residents had earlier provided about 167 ropanis of land for the project but say construction has not begun.
Chief Election Officer Hari Prasad Koirala said election staff were present at the center but no voters had arrived. Officials said if no voters turn up by the closing time, the staff deployed as temporary voters will cast ballots to formally close the polling process.
All prisoners cast votes in Jhapa
Voting has been completed at the temporary polling station inside Jhapa Prison in Bhadrapur with 100 percent turnout. Election officials said 108 people, including 107 prisoners and the prison chief, cast their votes under the proportional representation system.
According to the District Election Office Jhapa, all 107 prisoners listed in the final voter roll participated in the voting process. Prison chief Rewant Bhattarai confirmed that the ballot box had been sealed after voting.
