The Nepali Minister for Science, Technology and Environment Prakash Koirala said that the elections that concluded Wednesday makes it clear that the King Gyanendra is committed to constitutional monarchy and multi-party democracy, Radio Nepal reported Thursday.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at a polling center in Kathmandu, Koirala said this election has taken the democratic process ahead and will lead to the parliamentary elections.

He also said that the seven political parties stayed away from the election for fear of defeat.

According to the minister, voting was held in a peaceful and enthusiastic manner in 36 Municipalities under the local bodies throughout the Kingdom Wednesday.

Spokesman at the Election Commission Tej Muni Bajracharya said that counting of votes will start soon after the ballot boxes from all the polling booths are borough to the vote counting center.

Election took place in 36 municipalities of 28 districts Wednesday. Candidates in the remaining 22 municipalities among the total of 58 municipalities have been elected unopposed.

Source: Xinhua