KATHMANDU: Ballot boxes from remote Himalayan districts are being transported by helicopter following the House of Representatives election, officials said.

Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, spokesperson for the Election Commission, said ballot boxes from 10 remote locations were collected by helicopter on Friday, while collection in several other areas was still underway.

He said ballot boxes from remote areas of 15 underdeveloped districts are being airlifted due to difficult terrain. According to him, boxes from Taplejung, Rasuwa, Dolakha, Bajhang, and eastern Rukum have already reached the counting centers.

Collection from Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Gorkha, Rukum Paschim, Manang, Bajura, and Humla is ongoing. Bhattarai said vote counting will begin immediately after all ballot boxes arrive safely.