Khotang, June 19

As many as 20 independent candidates have filed nominations for the upcoming second phase of local elections due on June 28 in Khotang.

A total of 1,567 candidates are vying for 415 posts in 10 local levels and 69 wards in the district.

Sources have said most of those opting to run independently are rebel candidates, who were dissatisfied with their parties.

In Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality, Jham Prasad Acharya filed his nomination as an independent candidate for the mayoral post.

Bhojraj Basnet has filed his nomination as an independent candidate for the mayoral post for Halesi Tuwachung Municipality.

Similarly, Harichandra Rai, Tirtha Rai, Rudra Prasad Regmi have filed their nominations as independent candidates for the post of chairperson for Kepilasgadhi, Diprung and Jantedhunga rural municipalities respectively.

Sarita Rai and Ramesh Adhikari are independent candidates who have filed nominations for the second post for Jantedhunga and Lamidanda rural municipalities respectively.

Other independent candidates are vying for the post or ward chairperson and members. Most of those running as independent candidates are said to be disgruntled leaders of the CPN-UML.