KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) emerged first in the recently held local body by-elections, followed by the CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN-UML. Smaller parties fared poorly.
Although elections were held for 44 positions in local governments across the country, political parties had accorded high priority to it. It was seen as a crucial political barometer as the election was held from the eastern to the far-western regions.
According to the Election Commission, NC secured one mayoral seat and 16 ward chair positions. Similarly, the Maoist Center won 11 positions including one rural municipality chairperson, two deputy chairs, one deputy mayor and seven ward chairs. UML secured one rural municipality chairperson, two deputy chairs, and five ward chair positions.
Meanwhile, Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal won two seats, and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), CPN (Unified Socialist), Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) and an independent candidate claimed one position each.
Maoist Centre Encouraged
Maoist Centre has been energized by its second-place finish in the by-polls. Party Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed satisfaction with both the number of elected representatives and the popular vote, calling the results encouraging. “Enthusiastic support from the people, despite unfavorable alliances in some areas, demonstrates the public’s approval of our agenda and campaign,” Dahal said in a statement. He emphasized that the mandate reflects public endorsement of the party’s independent identity and agenda.
Unlike previous elections where the Maoist Centre often formed alliances, this time, it was forced to collaborate with smaller parties as major parties aligned against it. The party claims the results have boosted its morale and solidified its strength.
“From the east to the west, this reminds us of our 2008 victory. The by-election proves that the Maoist Centre is still alive,” Ram Prasad Sapkota ‘Deep Shikha,’ a Maoist Center leader, said.
The Maoist Center retained the deputy chair positions in Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality in Rukum and Sarkegad Rural Municipality in Humla, while winning the rural municipality chair in Gramthan, Morang, and the deputy mayor position in Nalagad Municipality, Jajarkot—both previously held by the NC.
UML Underwhelmed
The CPN (UML) won eight local body positions in the by-elections, including one municipal chief, two deputy chiefs, and five ward chairs. Although the party increased its numbers, analysts suggest it has not gained significant popular support.
For instance, the UML was placed third in the mayoral election in Kirtipur and second in the election for chairperson of Ward-16 of Kathmandu. UML’s candidate came third in Gramthan of Morang which was secured by Namo Narayan Majhi of Maoist Center. UML candidate trailed by nearly 3,000 votes.
“The results were below expectations. We must intensify efforts for future elections,” UML leader Pradip Paudel said.
Political analyst Dambar Khatri said that the by-election results showed UML’s grassroots strength had weakened, while the Maoist Centre’s resilience surprised many.
Setback for Madhesh-based Parties
The by-elections delivered a blow to smaller parties based in Madhesh. Elections were held in six local government positions across four districts of Madhesh Province.
The Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP) did not field any contest, citing a technical error. Both JSP Nepal and Janamat Party, led by CK Raut, faced significant setbacks. The JSP managed to win the position of ward chairperson in Wards 1 and 4 of Dakneshwari Municipality, Saptari, but the Janamat Party struggled to make an impact.
Janamat’s candidate, for example, received just 25 votes in Dhanushadham-2 which was claimed by Maoist Center candidate Sunil Kapar Kewat with 684 votes.
The party also faltered in Raut’s home district Saptari from where the party won one seat in the federal election.
Analysts say this result challenges Janamat’s claim of being a leading force in Madhesh politics.
