The former Kathmandu mayor’s commanding lead puts him on course to head Nepal’s next government
With more than 80 per cent of ballots counted, Shah had secured more than 55,500 votes against Oli’s 15,409, according to the commission’s figures, putting the result beyond reach even with votes still to be counted.
The decisive lead is expected to clear the way for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader to become the Himalayan republic’s next prime minister if his party’s strong showing nationwide is confirmed.
Both men contested from the eastern district of Jhapa, which observers have dubbed an “election epicentre”. Oli has won the Jhapa seat six times over the past three decades.
Once staunch supporters of Oli’s party, Neha Karki and 79 members of her extended family voted for Shah’s RSP this time.
Source: News - South China Morning Post
