Nepal has recorded a nationwide voter turnout of 24 percent as of 1pm on Thursday, according to the Election Commission.

The Kathmandu Valley is ahead of the national average with a combined turnout of 36 percent. Kathmandu district leads with 41 percent, followed by Lalitpur at 31 percent and Bhaktapur at 24 percent.

Outside the Valley, Karnali Province tops participation with 31 percent. Lumbini has 26 percent, Sudurpashchim 25 percent, Koshi 23 percent, Gandaki 21 percent, Madhesh 20 percent, and Bagmati (excluding the Valley) 19 percent.

A total of 4,455,710 votes have been cast so far from 18,903,689 registered voters at 10,967 polling booths nationwide. No major incidents have been reported, and the Election Commission described the polling as largely peaceful.

Officials expect turnout to rise further in the afternoon as polling continues.