Kathmandu: Today marks the by-election in Ilam and Bajhang constituencies, with voters casting their ballots to fill vacant seats in the House of Representatives and Province Assembly.

The Election Commission has confirmed the completion of all necessary preparations for the by-elections in Ilam Constituency-2 and Bajhang Constituency-1 (A). Urging voters to participate freely and without fear, polling stations opened at 7:00 am and will remain accessible until 5:00 pm.

The need for these by-elections arose following the unfortunate demise of HoR member Subas Nembang and Province Assembly member Prithivi Bahadur Singh. Subas Nembang, representing CPN (UML) from Ilam-2, passed away due to a heart attack on September 12, 2023, while Prithivi Bahadur Singh of Nepali Congress, elected from Bajhang-1(A), lost his life in a road accident on July 10, 2023.

In Ilam, 19 candidates are vying for the HoR seat, including Suhang Rai of CPN (UML), Damber Khadka of Nepali Congress, and Milan Limbu of Rastriya Swatantra Party. Meanwhile, Bajhang has 12 candidates contesting for the Province Assembly seat, with notable contenders such as Abhishek Bahadur Singh (Nepali Congress), Daman Bhandari (CPN UML), Janak Budha (CPN Maoist Centre), and Dil Bahadur Singh (CPN Unified Socialist).

As voters exercise their democratic rights, the outcome of these by-elections will determine new representatives for the vacant positions, shaping the political landscape in these regions.