Jagat Gharti of the CPN (Maoist Centre) has been elected unopposed as the ward chair of ward 2 in Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality, Rukum East, after rival candidates withdrew their nominations on Wednesday.

CPN-UML candidate Jeevan Roka and an independent candidate withdrew their candidacies on Wednesday morning, leaving Gharti as the sole contender.

Roka, who represented the ruling UML-Nepali Congress alliance, cited family ties as his reason for withdrawing his candidacy. “The Maoist candidate is a relative of mine,” he told the Post. “I withdrew willingly and will now work to ensure our party’s victory in the vice-chairperson position.”

When asked about potential party action against him, Roka said, “It is up to the party. If they decide to take action, I will accept it.”

Kesh Kumari Tulachan, UML district deputy secretary, is contesting the vice-chairperson position in the rural municipality under the Congress election symbol. The Maoist Centre has fielded Narapura Budha for the position.

In Kailali, Nepali Congress candidate Tika Kumari Chaudhary was elected unopposed as the Kailali District Coordination Committee chief after her rival withdrew her candidacy.

According to Premraj Bhatt, chief of the Provincial Election Office Sudurpaschim Province, Congress candidate Chaudhary became the sole contestant after Rupati Dagoura Tharu from the Nagarik Unmukti Party withdrew her candidacy.

The Nagarik Unmukti Party withdrew Tharu’s candidacy, leaving Chaudhary unchallenged. The UML had earlier fielded Chaudhary, pitching her as a joint candidate of the ruling alliance, which includes the Congress, UML, and Nagarik Unmukti Party.

The Kailali DCC chief position had been vacant since the death of Padam Kalel on January 7, 2023.

According to the Election Commission, 410 candidates have registered their nominations for 44 vacant positions in upcoming local by-elections scheduled for December 1.

Candidates withdrew their nominations between 9am and 1pm on Wednesday, and the office of the chief returning officer published the final list between 1pm and 3pm As per the local-level by-elections schedule, election symbols will be provided to candidates by 5pm today.