Counting of votes for third and final phase of local elections in Nepal has begun. Polling was held yesterday in province 2 for 136 local bodies. 73 percent voters exercised their franchise to elect 6627 local representatives. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed gratitude towards all for peaceful completion of 3rd phase of local polls and enthusiastic participation by the people of province 2. <br/><br/>Earlier polling for first and second round was held on May 14 and June 28. Local elections in Nepal were held after a gap of 20 years. As per the new constitution it is necessary to complete, local, province and parliament elections by January 21 next year. Provincial and parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on November 26 and December 7.