KATHMANDU: Relevant authorities have been directed by the Election Commission (EC) to set up voting places for the December 1 local-level by-elections. These locations must be open from November 28 until the end of the voting process.

The EC stressed that on December 1, voting will be conducted from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It called on all public places, including as schools, ward offices, health posts, community buildings, industrial sites, and others, to be ready for the voting process.

In the areas holding the by-elections, the EC has instructed local authorities to make sure certain facilities are utilized for polling as previously specified by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration.

The EC also asked local governments to proclaim December 1 a public holiday in the wards and areas where by-elections will be held during a meeting on Sunday. The goal of this policy is to make voting easier and encourage voter participation.

Local authorities have been urged to make sure the by-elections are held in a free, fair, credible, and economical manner in order to create a positive atmosphere for the electoral process, according to EC spokesman Nota Pokharel Aryal.