EC probe team begins consultation

<p><span style="line-height: 1.42857;">An investigation team constituted by the Election Commission to carry out the investigation into the issue of tearing of ballot papers has begun consultation with different party leaders today. &nbsp;</span><br></p><p><br></p><p>Vote counting has been halted after party representatives torn down the ballot papers while vote counting under the first-phase local level election in Bharatpur Metropolitan City was underway on Sunday night.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The commission had constituted an investigation team under the convenorship of joint attorney Gita Timilsina. The team has held discussions with Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Naya Shakti Party district chairs regarding the case, said assistant election officer Gambhir Ghimire at the office of the chief election officer. &nbsp;</p><p>The team will submit its report tomorrow and the EC will decide whether to hold reelection or recount at ward No 19 of the Bharatpur metropolis. Meanwhile, UML has organized a protest rally demanding recount of the votes while NC and Maoist Centre are demanding for re-election at the ward. &nbsp;</p>