Snow and migration keep 30 percent voters of upper Dolpa voters away

Authorities and local representatives fear a low turnout as many voters remain stranded in lower areas or citiesand may not be able to return for March 5 elections unless trails are cleared or air transport is arranged.

As the House of Representatives election is just three weeks away, concerns are mounting over potentially low voter turnout in remote mountain districts due to heavy snowfall and seasonal migration. Authorities estimate that around 30 percent of registered voters in upper Dolpa are currently away from their homes and the possibility of their returning before the polls appear low.