Kathmandu, March 2 -- Pramila Subedi from ward 7 of Bidur Municipality, Nuwakot, who is currently residing in Manamaiju, Kathmandu, is not returning to her home village to vote in the March 5 parliamentary elections. Not out of frustration with the electoral process, but because of the high cost of travel.

She complained that travelling back with her four-member family is too expensive and would strain their monthly budget.

"We need to travel to our village next month as well, and travelling home repeatedly is not possible," said Subedi, a mother of two. "So this time, we are not casting votes. I also don't think whoever wins will make much difference to our lives."

Subedi's situation is shared by many people living away from their hom...