CPN-UML little ahead of NC in Nepal local polls

Kathmandu, May 17 : Nepal's main opposition CPN-UML was a little ahead of the ruling Nepali Congress as results of the first phase of the local polls trickled in from three provinces.

These provinces come under hill region where the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) was considered stronger.

According to Nepal's Election Commission, the Nepali Congress is little far behind the CPN-UML followed by the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre.

As of Wednesday evening, UML has won 48 seats and was leading in 57 while the Nepali Congress had won 42 seats and was leading in 51.

Leading in all four metropolitan cities - Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Pokhara and Bharatpur, the CPN-UML has bagged a majority of seats in cities and villages on a proportional basis while Nepali Congress is winning mostly in rural areas. 

In the first phase, polls were held in 283 of the 744 local level units. Nepal is holding second round of local polls including in the Terai on June 31 but Madhes-based parties have been warning they will not participate unless the Constitutional amendment takes place.

There is anger among the public due to delay in vote count and result announcement. Chief Election Commissioned Ayodhee Prasad Yadav said that it will take another a week to announce the final results.