Province 5 assigned NIWF Observer from the 2022 Nepalese General Election share their Experience

A Brief Background of Province 5

Lumbini Province lies in the mid-western part of the country. It has an area of 22,288sq.km and which is 15.11% of the total area of the country. 45% of provincial land is covered by forest including Banke and Bardia National Parks and some parts of the Dhorpatan hunting reserve. 29% of the land is arable and 14% of the province’s land is utilized for housing purposes. It is bordered by India in the south, Putha Himal of Rukum East in the north, and Rampur of Palpa district in the east to Rajapur of Bardia district in the west. The total population of the province is 4499272. Out of the total population, 51.68% of the provincial population is residing in the urban area. The largest ethnic group is Tharu (15.2%).

Similarly, there are 15.1% Magar, 13.8% Chettri, 12.5% Brahman (Hill), and 6.9% Muslim. As per Economic Survey (2019/20), Lumbini Province contributes 14% to the national GDP. Measuring GDP by provinces it is estimated to have a growth rate of 2.0% in the fiscal year 2019/20. There are 126 caste/ethnic groups reported in the census 2011. Chhetri is the largest caste/ethnic group having 16.6% (4,398,053) of the total population followed by Brahman-Hill (12.2%; 3,226,903), Magar (7.1%; 1,887,733), Tharu (6.6%; 1,737,470), Tamang (5.8%; 1,539,830), Newar (5%; 1,321,933), Kami (4.8%; 1,258,554), Musalman (4.4%; 1,164,255), Yadav (4%; 1,054,458) and Rai (2.3%; 620,004).

(Source: Nepal Outlook, Lumbini Province: A Data Overview)

Report by: Harikala Thapa

Observer: Harikala Thapa

Place of posting: Lumbini, Palpa District, Bagansakali-9

Observer Report by Harikala Thapa:  On the 20^th of November 2022, the House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly member elections were completed in a peaceful manner at Province 5/ Lumbini, Papa District, Bagansakali-9.

Appointed Personnel for each voting booth: The total number of government officials involved including volunteers, Chief Polling Officer; Saraswoti Timilsina, and volunteers were 8. There were 4 polling booths in use while 1 was left unused. There were 3 Observers including me namely Bhagyamurti Timilsina and Ambika Basyal.

Security and safety for voting systematically: While it started around 6:00 AM, The voting closed at 5:00-5:15 PM after an official announcement was made by the center. 1-10 people who were registered could not vote. While no one who was not registered could vote. There were 8 male government polling officers including 4 women polling women officers. People incapable of writing or voting for themselves were guided by volunteers who voted for the desired candidate for them. There was a spot for elderly people, people with disabilities, and pregnant women to rest. 

Code of Conduct and Systemization for Safe Voting: There were no people with disabilities present. No favors or control were taken on the voting center by any political party. The polling itself was conducted in a peaceful manner. The volunteers were there to assist everyone during the voting process. There were no suspicious polling activities reported out and within the polling centers. 

Report by: Sunita Pandey

Observer: Sunita Pandey

Place of posting: Lumbini, Gulmi, Resunga Municipality, Siddhubaba Polling Center

Observer Report by Sunita Pandey:  On the 20^th of November 2022, the House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly member elections were completed in a peaceful manner at Lumbini, Gulmi, Resunga Municipality, Siddhubaba Polling Center.

Number of Voters: There were a total of 9 male security personnel and 4 women security personnel. The number of registered voters was 1784. The number of polling booths used was 4 while the unused numbers stood at 2.

Appointed Personnel for each voting booth: There were government appointed 11 male polling officers and 4 women polling officers. There were also 8 male government-appointed representatives and 3 government-appointed women representatives. 

Security and safety for voting systematically: The polling began at 7:00 A.M. and ended at 6:45 P.M. Gyankumari Bhusal was the polling officer. 4 Observers were present from NIWF/ CFLI. The total number of government personnel involved was 17. There were no issues whatsoever in the hall. All voting took place in an ethical way and smooth way. There were no forms of discrimination against indigenous women seen or reported within the polling center. There were no obstructions for any voters attending. 

Code of Conduct and Systemization for Safe Voting: The Observers were all permitted to enter the site without any issues once the proof of identification was displayed.