lection-related incidents declined significantly after the first phase of local elections was held on May 14, with the nation’s attention quickly turning to vote counting. According to Nepal Monitor data, there were at least 13 election-related incidents between May 15-21, compared to the 81 incidents reported between May 12-14.

There remains uncertainty about the second phase of local elections expected on June 14. Little progress has been made towards a constitutional amendment that remains a precondition for Madhesh-based parties’ participation. The ECN has about three weeks to prepare for elections to be held in four provinces (versus three during the first phase). A much discussed change of government before the second phase of polls could also impact election preparations by shifting the priority from election preparations.

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This is the sixth of a series of periodic analysis updates that Democracy Resource Center Nepal (DRCN) and the Collective Campaign for Peace (COCAP) | NepalMonitor.org released during the ongoing election period. This project receives financial and technical support from The Asia Foundation and The Carter Center.