Dhangadi, July 1

The Nepali Congress has taken a lead in Province 7 by winning the top posts in 20 local levels. The CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist Centre are trailing with their local level chief candidates elected in 15 and four local bodies respectively, as per the election results announced till this evening.

In Doti, the NC has swept the polls in Badi Kedar and KI Singh rural municipalities, while the UML has won in Purbi Chauki and Sayal rural municipalities. The CPN-MC has bagged victory in Bogatan Rural Municipality. Similarly, in Dadeldhura, UML candidates were elected to the top posts in Amargadhi Municipality and Nabadurga Rural Municipality. The NC has won in Alital, Bhageshwori and Ganyapadhura rural municipalities, whereas the CPN-MC clinched victory in Ajayameru Rural Municipality.

In Kailali, the NC won in Joshipur Rural Municipality, UML sealed victory in Chure Rural Municipality. In Bajhang, UML has pulled off victory in Talakot, Thalara, Durgathali, Masta and Bitthad Chir rural municipalities. NC has won in Bungal Municipality, Surma Rural Muncipality and Kada Rural Municipality.

In Bajura, NC has secured victory in Tribeni and Badimalika municipalities, and Himali and Chhededaha rural municipalities. UML, on the other hand, has sealed victory in Swamikartik, Gaumul and Pandav Gufa rural municipalities. In Baitadi, Dashrathchand Municipality, Surnaya Rural Municipality and Shivanath Rural Municipality have gone to the NC’s fold and Pancheshwor Rural Municipality to the UML’s fold.

While NC has won in Mahakali and Shaileshikhar municipalities and Kalika Arjun Rural Municipality in Darchula , the UML has clinched victory in Lekham, Api Himal and Naugad rural municipalities in the district. The CPN-MC has won the post of chair in Marma Rural Municipality of Darchula. The NC has claimed victory in Mellek Rural Municipality  in Achham. Vote counting in other local levels are under way.