KATHMANDU: In the latest update on the Bajhang-1 by-election vote count, Daman Bhandari of the CPN-UML has surged ahead, leading with 11,102 votes.

Trailing behind is Abhishek Singh of the Nepali Congress, with 10,761 votes, marking a margin of 341 votes between the two major contenders.

As the final stages of the vote count unfold, the UML’s widening lead underscores the party’s strong position in Bajhang-1.

Meanwhile, Maoist candidate Janak Budha holds the third position with 3,790 votes, adding further dimension to the electoral landscape.

With the completion of the vote count imminent, all eyes are on Saipal Rural Municipality as the last remaining area to be tallied.