Kathmandu: The local elections in Nepal saw low voter turnout after political parties boycotted it and the Maoists called for a strike. At least three people died in two separate clashes between troops and Maoist rebels.
Around 10,000 policemen and soldiers were deployed in Kathmandu. At least 50 were arrested to prevent rallies against King Gyanendra. The seven main political parties and Maoist called the election a sham. The US has also criticised the polls, calling them the king's "hollow attempt to legitimise power".
"The US believes Nepal's Municipal elections called by the King represented a hollow attempt to legitimize power," the State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack said yesterday.
The nationwide strike called by Maoists in Nepal is over. Maoists leader Prachanda called off the week-long shutdown three days early.
The Maoists said the strike had achieved its aim of disrupting the municipal elections.
Meanwhile, initial results showed pro-government candidates sweeping the elections marred by rebel attacks, soldiers shooting protesters, and low turnout.
The elections on Wednesday were for the relatively powerless posts of mayor and local council member, and the dearth of voters at the polls was considered a more important indicator of popular sentiment than the election results themselves.
In initial returns for 15 of the 36 cities and towns where polls were held, the pro-government Rastriya Prajatantra Party won ten mayoralties, the pro-government Nepal Sadbhawana won two and independent candidates won three, the Election Commission said.
(With AP inputs)
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