Snowfall cuts off highland villages, low voter turnout feared
Summary
Heavy snowfall in Nepal's high mountain districts has cut off villages, risking low voter turnout as residents remain isolated and election campaigning is hindered.
Key Points
- Heavy snowfall has cut off movement to highland villages Hilsa and Limi in Humla district, isolating them ahead of elections.
- Low voter turnout is feared due to residents leaving villages to escape cold, with some polling centres having very few or no voters present.
- Logistical challenges have emerged for transporting election materials, requiring helicopters to reach isolated polling stations.
- Local authorities warn that winter elections in mountainous regions face difficulties due to weather and geography, potentially impacting democratic participation.
