Prachanda wins polls in Kathmandu, Maoists continue to lead

Kathmandu, April 12 (UNI) Maoist Chairman Prachanda won election from constituency no 10 in Kathmandu defeating his nearest rival of Nepali Congress (NC) by a margin of 9396 votes.

The maoist leader polled 20499 votes, while his nearest rival of the NC got only 11103 votes.

This is the first time that the Maoists leader has participated in election in the Himalayan nation after the peace deal with the major political parties two years ago.

Maoists have been leading in the vote counting with 13 seats so far, while the vote counting in 23 constituencies have been declared.

Nepali Congress and CPN, UML each have won four seats, while two seats went to Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party in Bhaktapur district.

CPN, UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal and Surya Bahadur Thapa have been defeated by Maoists candidates in Kathmandu and Dhankuta districts.

Acting president of the Nepali Congress Sushil Koirala and prime minister's daughter Sujata Koirala seem certain to be defeated by the Madhesi regional party candidates. Both are in the third place.

Maoists are leading in western hilly region and central Nepal.

Nepali Congress won 4 seats in Kathmandu once considered to be the stronghold of the UML.

UNI XC SZ MIR KP1828