MAHOTTARI, Sept 19: With the successful conclusion of the third phase of local elections on Monday, locals of various districts of Province 2 are now eagerly awaiting for the voting results. The election results would mark the fulfillment of their 20 years' wait to have their own local representatives.
Enthusiastic vote counting and eager anticipation from the locals, candidates and parties alike have been reported from all the eight districts of Province 2 - Mahottari, Dhanusha, Bara, Parsa, Rautahat, Sarlahi, Saptari and Siraha.
In Mahottari, vote counting is ongoing in 10 local units out of the total 15, as of Tuesday evening. Apart from Loharpati Municipality, Aurahi Municipality, Mahottari Rural Municipality, Ramgopalpur Municipality and Matihani Municipality, vote counting is ongoing in great fervor in all the local units.
Vote counting could not get started in those local units as all-party meeting has not yet taken place, according to the district's chief returning officer.
“The counting will start immediately once the meeting is fixed and agreement is reached between the parties,” said Chief Returning Officer Kiran Pokharel.
Despite the great enthusiasm, locals have complained that the vote counting is going on in a sluggish pace. “If the existing pace continues, the vote count won't be over even in 10 days,” said Nabin Jha, a local youth.
Locals have complained of serious negligence from the District Election Office, and urged the officers to make vote counting more managed for speedy completion. The office has acknowledged difficulties and has promised to sort out the existing problems.