KATHMANDU: Amidst the ongoing vote count for the Ilam-2 by-election, all eyes are on Mangsebung Rural Municipality, where a fierce battle unfolds between the CPN-UML and independent candidate Dakendra Thegim.

As the counting commenced in Mangsebung RM early Monday morning, expectations soared regarding Thegim’s potential to surpass the Nepali Congress and emerge as a formidable contender against the UML’s dominance in this locality, known for its strong identity politics.

In the previous local election, Mangsebung RM witnessed a turnout of 8,307 out of 12,000 eligible voters.

UML’s Hemanta Rai clinched the Chairperson position with 3,818 votes, closely followed by Nepali Congress with 3,495 votes, while the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) secured 3,729 votes and claimed the Vice Chairperson post.

Now, with the JSP throwing its weight behind independent candidate Thegim, and the Rastriya Janamukti Party also extending support, the dynamics of the by-election have shifted dramatically.

UML, historically dominant in Mangsebung with victories in four out of six wards, faces a formidable challenge from Thegim, who is backed by a coalition of identity politics fronts.

While UML’s Suhang Nembang initially seemed poised for victory, the real battleground lies in Mangsebung, where the transfer of votes from the Maoist Center, now supporting UML, remains uncertain.

Supporters of Thegim firmly believe in his ability to lead the charge in Mangsebung, fueled by the prospect of combined votes from JSP and Janamukti Party, which could potentially surpass UML’s lead.

In a notable twist, unlike in the previous general election where UML candidate Subhash Nembang capitalized on support from identity politics fronts, Suhang now faces stiff competition with these factions fielding their own candidate.

As the vote count progresses, the outcome in Mangsebung promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with the balance of power hanging delicately between the UML and the independent candidate, setting the stage for a riveting conclusion to the by-election saga.

UML’s Suhang secures 9,484 votes, maintains lead of 2,853 votes