Tight race for ANNFSU (R) Chair

Kathmandu, January 26 — A fierce competition has emerged between Bijay Prakash Sharma Sapkota and Hemanta Rai for the position of chairman of the All Nepal National Free Students’ Union (Revolutionary), the student organization affiliated with the CPN (Maoist Center).

The election, held on Saturday as part of the organization’s 23rd national convention, saw intense rivalry between the two candidates.

According to the latest results from seven provinces, Sapkota has secured 481 votes, while Rai is trailing closely behind with 461 votes, making the margin just 20 votes. In third place is Upadesh Yadav with 221 votes, followed by Sudin Paudel with 144 votes in fourth place.

As of now, the final vote results from the Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpashchim provinces have been announced.

In the Valley Special and University Province, which have the largest number of voters, the vote counting has been delayed due to disputes over the election code and ink marks on the ballots.

In Madhes province, although vote counting was completed, it was postponed due to disputes. The Sapkota camp accused water being spilled on the ballots, and both Sapkota and Rai's supporters have demanded a re-election.

Based on the current vote tally, Sapkota leads in the provinces of Koshi (57), Madhes (40), Bagmati (87), Gandaki (60), Lumbini (85), Karnali (80), and Sudurpashchim (72). Rai, following close behind, has secured votes in Koshi (126), Madhes (41), Bagmati (48), Gandaki (39), Lumbini (66), Karnali (82), and Sudurpashchim (59).

Yadav, in third place, garnered votes in Koshi (51), Madhes (67), Bagmati (51), Gandaki (15), Lumbini (10), Karnali (5), and Sudurpashchim (22).

Sudin Paudel, considered a strong contender, has garnered votes in Koshi (19), Madhes (1), Bagmati (17), Gandaki (61), Lumbini (22), Karnali (8), and Sudurpashchim (16).