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Nepal will hold national and provincial elections on Sunday which the Nepali Congress-led ruling coalition is expected to win but unlikely to provide much-needed political stability in the country sandwiched between India and China. More than 17.9 million people are eligible to vote in seven provinces across the Himalayan nation. The polling will start at 7 am local time and close at 5 pm. Out of a total of 275 members of the federal Parliament, 165 will be elected through direct voting, while the remaining 110 will be elected through a proportional electoral system. Similarly, out of a total of 550 members of the Provincial Assembly, 330 will be elected directly and 220 will be elected through the proportional method. All preparations and security arrangements have been completed. Political observers closely watching the elections have predicted a hung parliament and a government that is unlikely to provide the required political stability in Nepal. Political instability has bee
Nepal government has decided to seal the border entry points with India and China for 72 hours prior to the local level elections scheduled for May 13, local media reported.The decision comes following a recommendation by the Election Commission urging the government to close the border points from May 10 midnight to May 13 midnight, The Kathmandu Post reported.Nepal's Home Ministry spokesperson Phanindra Mani Pokharel informed that a directive has been issued to the respective district administration offices of the districts bordering India and China to implement the commission's recommendations."Districts sharing borders with neighbouring countries have been directed to seal the border points and halt all movements, except for emergency services, for 72 hours ahead of the May 13 local elections," The Kathmandu Post quoted Pokharel as saying.Pokharel said the ministry has also directed local administrations and security agencies to strictly implement the silent hour as per the ...