Kathmandu. Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Friday interacted with the locals and government officials at Pathivara and Fungling areas of Taplejung district in connection with the preparations for the upcoming elections and taking stock of the situation in the mountainous districts.

After visiting the famous pilgrimage site Pathibhara in the morning, Prime Minister Karki interacted with the local and devotees gathered there.

“I am here to make the election a success. All of you should vote. Play your role in making the election peaceful. This year’s election is not a normal election like any other regular election, it is an election to be held under special circumstances. It should give the country an outlet. This is an election that will shape the future of the country. ’

Chairman of Pathivara Area Development Committee Rocky Thebe and priest Dilli Raman Poudel among others welcomed the PM.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Karki held a meeting with government officials at Fungling, the headquarters of Taplejung district.

Chief Returning Officer and District Judge Bikash Shrestha, Chief District Officer Shiva Raj Sedhai, Nepal Army Durgadal Company Commander Umesh Khadka, Taplejung Police Chief Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Prasad Gautam, APF Nepal Number 1 Company Headquarters Kanchanjunga Battalion Chief Deputy Superintendent of APF Pramod Prakash Pathak apprised the Prime Minister about the election preparations and security situation.

According to Chief District Officer Sedhai, there are 90,327 voters and 82 polling stations including two temporary constituencies in Taplejung. Four of these polling stations are geographically remote and mountainous areas. He said that although the weather has been normal so far and it has not been very unfavorable, it would be difficult to mobilize the employees for voting if it snows. He also requested for the transportation of ballot boxes by helicopter.

He also expressed his confidence that the election activities would be conducted in a smooth manner in the coming days as the security situation is normal so far, no untoward incident has been reported and there is tight coordination among all four security agencies.

Concluding the discussions, Prime Minister Karki directed the government to work in order to make the election peaceful, security, cleanliness and austerity a standard for the future.