Nepalese Diaspora Correspondent Los Angeles, October 21 City Council election in Artesia, a small California city that has a higher density of Nepali Americans, has drawn the attention of Nepali immigrants. Although community leaders have closely watched the election and attended public events featuring the candidates, Nepalis are yet to make their base that can truly strengthen their presence in the City’s decision-making process.   It is true that Nepalis take keen interest in politics, but most Nepali immigrants haven’t registered to vote. According to the data obtained from one of the candidates’ campaign office, only about 100 Nepali Americans are registered to vote in Artesia.   A total of 7,536 registered Artesians are voting on November 6 to elect three members out of five candidates--Ali Sajjad Taj, Victor Manalo, Dennis Drulias, Rene Trevino, and Melissa Ramosso-- on the City Council. Whereas Ali Taj and Victor Manalo are incumbent City Council members and have already served as the City’s mayors, three others are new faces.   Among the five candidates, Ali Taj, has reached out to the Nepali voters the most and garners their support. “Ali knows most Nepalese Artesians personally and has supported Nepalis since he was elected on the City Council. Besides Ali is polite and most easily accessible city leader,” says Bhakta Thapa, Artesia’s Planning Commission Member and president of Shree Pashupatinath Foundation, USA.   “Candidates take our endorsements seriously only when we are registered voters and our community is united. Mere publicity won’t do good to our community in the long run,” says Thapa.   Although Mr. Manalo hasn’t reached out to Nepali voters as much as Taj has done, most Nepalis also know Manalo. He is the second most popular candidate among the Nepalis. Three other candidates-- Dennis Drulias, Rene Trevino, and Melissa Ramosso—haven’t reached out to Nepali voters.