A former Maoist combatant has been elected the chairperson of Sanibheri Village Council in Rukum. Nar Bahadur Pun, who was a former brigade commander of the People’s Liberation Army, beat his closest rival, Gorakh Prasad Chand of Nepali Congress, by 2,000 votes to secure the win.

“For me this election was an exercise on ballots after bullets. I take this responsibility as an opportunity to work towards the development of Sanibheri with the support of the people,” Pun said after winning the election.    

The other former Maoist fighters, who ran in the local elections as ward chairpersons from Musikot Municipality 8 and 9; Tribeni Village Council-1; and Sanibheri Village Council 1, 2 and 6 also won.

Nabin Oli, who was elected the chairperson of Musikot-9, said he would work to win the hearts through his works.

“The villagers have put their trust on me through their votes. Now, it is my duty to make their lives better and bring development to the village,” he said.

Buddha Prasad Budha of Musikot-8, Mohan Kishor Oli of Tribeni-1, Nabin Oli of Musikot-9, Dharma Pun of Sanibheri-2, Sarbajit Gharti of Sanibheri-6 and Tek Bahadur Pun of Sanibheri-1 were also elected ward chairpersons.