Kathmandu, March 4 -- Dinesh Shrestha, originally from Bidur of Nuwakot and now living in Kathmandu, is returning to his hometown on Wednesday evening with his wife to cast their votes in Thursday's parliamentary elections.

Shrestha, who runs a dealership of pharmaceutical products, said that he has already sent his elder daughter ahead for the elections.

"I don't have much inclination towards any particular political party, nor do I expect substantial change after the election," said Shrestha. "However, I believe voting is our constitutional right, and elections help to renew bonds with the village and villagers."

Like Shrestha, over the past few days, hundreds of thousands of people residing in Nepal's big cities and urban centres ha...