PARBAT, Dec 5: There is great enthusiasm and excitement among the voters in various parts of the country to take part in the elections being held on Thursday. However, the Majhi community of Maldhunga, Kushma-1, lacks such anticipation.

It might be hard for some to believe but some of the locals here are not even aware that the country will observe the second phase of parliamentary and provincial elections on December 7. None of the candidates has visited the locals here, to seek votes. When asked about the election, Hari Bahadur Majhi of the community said, "When? Which election? I am not aware of it." According to him, elections are not for the poor and destitute. Many of them have no idea whether their names are in the voter list.

"I would not go to vote even if I was informed about the elections, anyway," he said. One and a half years ago, his house was swept away by a landslide compelling him to live in a makeshift tent. "We are busy working from early morning to late evening because earning a two square meal is a big deal for us," he said, adding, "We don't have time for elections." 
 
Similarly, Bal Bahadur Majhi of Maldhunga also said that he is not aware of Thursdays' elections. "We don't care whoever wins the elections as we are concerned about one thing and that's filling our stomachs," he stated. Many of them expressed their disappointment over the leaders and candidates for neglecting them. As most of the Majhis don't have registered land and citizenship certificates, they can't take part in the elections. 

This is the reason why candidates don't make much effort to woo them. “We are battling with various problems but no one is interested in listening to our grievances,” said Saku Lal Pariyar, a local.

 
• empty
 
• stomachs
 
• matter
 
• more
 
• than
 
• elections
 
• majhis