Ilam: With the upcoming by-election scheduled for the 27th of this month, voters in Ilam constituency number 2 are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to elect their representative to the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Federal Parliament. The by-election follows the unfortunate passing of Subas Chandra Nembang, the elected HoR member from this constituency, on September 12, 2023. A total of 20 candidates are vying for the position in the upcoming by-election.

Kuber Rai, a resident of Mahamai in Ilam Municipality-8, expressed his excitement over the lively atmosphere surrounding the by-election in the constituency. "For the past seven months, we have lacked a representative to address our pressing issues such as determining tea prices, establishing markets for our dairy products, and improving the condition of the Mechi highway in the federal parliament," he stated. Rai emphasized the community's eager anticipation for the by-election to select their representative.

Similarly, Bishal Dhakal from Sandakpur Rural Municipality-3 echoed Rai's sentiments, emphasizing that while all candidates are actively seeking votes, voters will ultimately choose the most qualified candidate. He highlighted the electorate's numerous problems and complaints, expressing the expectation that the elected representative will effectively advocate for their concerns in parliament.

Raghunath Bhandari of Phakphokthum Rural Municipality-4 emphasized the need for improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture. "Our roads remain unrepaired, farmers lack subsidies, and we face challenges accessing quality healthcare and education. The candidate elected in the by-election must address these demands," he asserted.

Arpana Paudel from Chulachuli Rural Municipality-1 emphasized the importance of voting for candidates with a positive vision and genuine commitment to the constituency's development. "We cannot blindly support candidates based solely on their party affiliations," she remarked.

Among the registered candidates are Suhang Nembang, the common candidate of the CPN (UML) and CPN (Maoist Centre) alliance, Dambar Bahadur Khadka of Nepali Congress, Milan Limbu of Rastriya Swatantra Party, Prem Bahadur Limbu of the Janamat Party, and Shyam Bahadur Darji of the Nepal Workers and Peasants' Party. Additionally, several independent candidates are also contesting in the by-election.

The Election Commission is set to publish the final list of candidates and allocate election symbols on April 9. The by-election will be conducted across 79 polling stations and 149 polling centers from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.