Voters’ awareness dismal in Bara

BIRGUNJ, NOV 04 -

In the 2008 CA election, Shashi Kapur Miya was defeated by his rival with a narrow margin. A cautious Miya has been carrying out his election campaign meticulously this time.

Miya, who contested the poll on a ticket of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum Nepal from Parsa-2, had lost the election to NC candidate Ajaya Dwibedi with 1,510 votes. About 3,100 votes cast for Miya were declared invalid, meaning that voter education was low among local people.

Miya is again in the fray from the same constituency, but representing another party, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Ganatantrik. During his electioneering he not only seeks votes, but also teaches people the voting process.

“In every meeting I focus on voter education and inform locals about the voting procedure. Invalid votes do not only deprive people of their rights, but also affect the election results,” Miya said. The EC said 57,332 votes were invalid in Parsa, Bara and Rautahat in the 2008 election. Officials said most of the votes were invalid as the people used thumb instead of swastika.

Election officials and the parties are worried about the possibility of casting invalid votes this time as well. The ballot paper is congested this time as 122 parties are contesting the election. In 2008, 5.15 percent of the FPTP votes were declared invalid.