ILAM: In the by-elections for the House of Representatives seat in Ilam-2, CPN-UML’s Suhang Nemwang has extended his lead.

Nemwang currently holds a commanding lead of 2,618 votes as the counting continues in Phakphokthum Rural Municipality, Chulachuli Rural Municipality, and Mangsebung Ward No. 1.

Nemwang has secured 8,898 votes, while his closest contender, Dambar Khadka of the Nepali Congress, trails behind with 6,282 votes.

Independent candidate Dakendra Thegim, advocating for identity issues, follows in third place with 4,634 votes.

Meanwhile, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate Milan Limbu has garnered 1,305 votes, while Jit Bahadur Rai of Unified Socialist trails with 240 votes.

Mani Bahadur Limbu of Mangol National Organization and Prem Kumar Thamsuhang of Janamat Party have received 209 and 54 votes, respectively.

Notably, according to the Election Commission, Dak Prasad Gautam, an independent candidate from Ilam Municipality-7, has not received any votes.

Despite being from Ilam and representing an independent stance, Gautam, who ran under the women’s election symbol, has failed to secure any support.

The Election Commission further reported that five candidates have failed to garner even 10 votes each.

The by-election in Ilam-2 was necessitated by the passing of the then House of Representatives member, Subash Nemwang.

With 19 candidates in the fray, the contest has drawn significant attention.