Voters in Sunsari focus on agriculture, roads, and jobs

KATHMANDU: As the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 approaches, voters in Sunsari district say agriculture, infrastructure, and employment must be the top priorities for candidates.

Samir Alam of Bhokraha Narsingh Rural Municipality–2, Sunsari Constituency No. 4, says most families in the district depend on maize, vegetables, and paddy farming. However, inadequate and untimely access to fertilizers, quality seeds, and irrigation has hurt production. Poor road conditions further complicate farmers’ lives, making it difficult to transport produce to markets. “In the upcoming election, Sunsari needs candidates who can ensure improvements in agriculture, roads, and employment,” he said.

Echoing similar concerns, young voter Raju Mandal of Bhokraha Narsingh–3 said the lack of domestic job opportunities has forced many youths to seek work abroad. “Candidates must be able to address the real problems of the agricultural sector and create jobs at home,” he added.

Older voters also express frustration. Fifty-eight-year-old Bihari Ram Chamar of Bhokraha–6 said government-announced facilities for farmers rarely reach genuine beneficiaries. “We have voted time and again, but the development we were promised has not materialized,” he said, stressing the need for improvements in agriculture, roads, and basic services.

According to the Election Office, Sunsari has a total of 580,945 registered voters—294,252 men, 286,691 women, and two third-gender voters—across 12 local levels.

The district has been divided into four constituencies, with 167 polling stations and 624 polling centers set for the election, said Election Office Chief Krishna Paudel.