KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 14

The polls for election of president of Nepali Congress during the party’s ongoing General Convention is headed for second round as the leading candidate, Sher Bahadur Deuba, failed to secure over 50% of total votes.

Deuba scored the highest points in the five-way contest with 2258 votes but couldn’t cross the 50% mark which is a prerequisite to win the election.

Meanwhile, Shekhar Koirala gave Deuba a run for his money with 1729 vites. Two other party heavyweights — Prakash Man Singh, Bimlendra Nidhi — secured below 500 votes.

Kalyan Gurung, the youngest contender, received 20 votes.

With the polls headed for next round, it would be interesting to watch if the anti-Deuba panel will stand together in an alliance to give Shekhar Koirala a boost, or if there will be a change in equation.

The voting for NC President run-off is expected to commence today itself.