KATHMANDU: The main opposition party CPN-UML has maintained a healthy lead over the ruling party Nepali Congress in the second round of local level elections held in 35 districts in province number 1, 5 and 7 on June 28.

The second round of local polls was commenced to select local representatives of 334 local bodies in 35 districts. The results of the 333 local units have been announced, however, the results of the Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City is awaited.

According to Election Commission, UML is leading with 150 victories compared to NC's 122 while CPN-Maoist Centre is lagging far behind with just 38 victories.

Federal Socialist Forum has mustered 8 triumphs, Nepal Democratic Forum has registered just 6 victories and Rastriya Prajatantra Party has just managed to secure 4 victories in the second round of polls in 35 districts.

Rastriya Janamorcha Party led by Chitra Bahadur KC has clinched just 2 victories.

Likewise, 3 independent candidates have won the post of Mayor/chair, according to EC.

Speaking to THT Online over the phone EC's Spokesperson Surya Prasad Sharma said that the results of 333 local units have been announced so far, while the results of the Dharan Sub Metropolitan City results are awaited.

Similarly, the vote count result for the post of Deputy mayor and Vice-chair includes 174 for the UML, 104 for the NC, 38 for CPN-MC, 7 for federal socialist forum Nepal, 6 for Nepal Democratic Forum, 2 for Rastriya Janamorcha and 2 for RPP, according to spokesperson Sharma.

He further said that the results of the Dharan would be announced in a day or two.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission said that the preparations are underway to hold the third round of local level elections in Province number 2 on September 18.