Voting began in Nepal on Sunday in its first local-level polls in two decades that are crucial for cementing democracy amid political turmoil in the country.
The first phase of local elections are peacefully taking place at 281 local units out of 283 in province 3, 4 and 6, said the office Election Commission.
It said as the candidates have been elected unopposed in two local units, polls are taking place in remaining local units only.
Altogether 4.9 million voters are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase of elections.
Nearly 50,000 candidates are vying for the position of mayor, deputy mayor, ward chairman and ward member in 281 local municipalities.
The second round of polls in provinces 1, 2, 5 and 7 will be held on May 14 and June 14 respectively.
The absence of elected representatives in the local bodies for more than 15 years obstructed development in the villages and towns across the country including the capital city Kathmandu.