KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Gururaj Ghimire is leading the vote count in the race for party’s presidency in Province 1 under the preparation for the party’s 14th General Convention.

Out of 400 votes counted so far, Ghimire, fielded by the party’s non-establishment faction, has received 212 votes and rival candidate of the establishment faction Uddhav Thapa is chasing the former with 175 votes.

Province 1 vice president candidates Ramesh Jung Rayamajhi is slightly leading the count with 186 votes with Tanka Prasad Rai behind him with 181 votes; Govinda Dhungana is one vote ahead of Bishwanath Rijal as of now. Dhungana got 170 as Rijal secured 169.

General secretary candidates Umesh Thapa is taking lead with 195 votes, Dipen Kumar Shrestha behind him with 185 votes, Bhupendra Rai following them with 180 votes and Padam Sundar Palungwa chasing the race with 166 votes.

Likewise, joint general secretary (women’s category) candidates Sita Karki is leading with 188 votes and Pramila Kumari Gachchhadar is chasing Karki with 175 votes.

Similarly, men vying for joint general secretary’s post Khadga Phago has bagged 227 votes, Bir Kaji Rai 158 votes, Binod Kumar Basnet 168 votes, Rohit Kumar Sah 151 votes and Shubh Chandra Rai 14 votes.