Some voters in Nepal trekked for hours to cast their ballots in the nation’s recent elections, highlighting challenges related to the country’s voting laws and accessibility for those living in remote areas.
Long Journeys to Vote
In Nepalganj, a town on the Terai plains bordering India, many people traveled long distances – some on foot – to reach their registered polling places.
Some citizens have called for authorities to establish polling booths closer to their residences. Sarita Roka explained the difficulty of participating in the election, stating, “It is so difficult to come to vote. We left our house yesterday to come here. My children are the only ones at home now.”
Debmaya Mahatara walked for five hours to reach the polling center, describing the arduous journey: “The path to come here is really bad. I arrived here yesterday. It was really difficult to walk uphill, I was breathless many times.”
Nepal’s election law requires citizens to vote in their registered constituency, typically their place of birth. Nepalis residing abroad are not permitted to vote.
Sundar Budha reported that many elderly people were unable to vote due to the long journeys required. He also walked for five hours to cast his ballot, noting that approximately half of his village was unable to exercise their voting rights.
Ramlal Pariyar urged the authorities to address the issue, stating, “The authorities should address this issue and establish a polling booth in our place which lies in a border area.”
Many elderly villagers were not able to vote, says Sundar Budha
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