ILAM: The Election Commission has released preliminary results of the by-election held in Ilam-2.

According to EC sources, Nepali Congress candidate Dambar Khadka has taken an early lead as counting began in Wards 1 and 2 of Phakphokthum.

NC candidate Khadka has secured 1,145 votes, while CPN-UML candidate Suhang Nembang has received 1,063 votes.

Similarly, Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate Milan Limbu has secured 209 and Independent  candidate Dakendra Thegim 311.