KATHMANDU: At least 850,000 votes were cast across the country within the first two hours of polling on Wednesday, election officials said. By 9 am, ballots had been recorded at polling stations in all 165 House of Representatives constituencies.

Voting began at 7 am and is progressing nationwide. Polls will remain open until 5 pm.

The early turnout signals steady voter participation as the country elects members to the House of Representatives.