KATHMANDU: Independent mayoral candidate of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Balen Shah has garnered more than 39,515 votes.

Out of more than one lakh 4 thousand 800 votes counted, Balen has got 39,515 votes. He has been widening the gap with his rivals.

Similarly, the common candidate of the ruling coalition, Nepali Congress’ Sirjana Singh has risen to the second position.

Singh has got 22,270 votes as of Sunday morning.

Similarly, Keshav Sthapit of CPN-UML has got 21,775 votes.

So far, the counting of votes of 13 wards including ward numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 has been completed.

Similarly, the counting of votes in wards 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 23, 24, 25 and 26 is underway at the Rastriya Sabha Griha, Exhibition Road in Kathmandu.

The local elections were held on May 13.