Kathmandu, Jan. 25 -- Voting began on Sunday to elect 17 members of the National Assembly, as the terms of 19 members are set to expire on March 4.

Of the 19 vacant seats, one member from Koshi Province has already been elected unopposed, while one will be nominated by the President on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. Elections are being held for the remaining seats.

As per Article 86(3) of the Constitution, elections to fill National Assembly vacancies must be held at least 35 days before the seats fall vacant. Members are elected by voters from the same province where the vacancy arises, with polling centres set up in provincial capitals.

Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said all preparations f...