KATHMANDU: As the deadline for withdrawing candidacies concludes, major shifts have occurred across several districts.

In Kalikot, Nepali Communist Party leader Jiban Budha withdrew his candidacy against official nominee Mahendra Bahadur Shahi following a virtual directive from coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda).

Meanwhile, in Manang, Election Officer Ram Prasad Paudel confirmed withdrawal requests from CPN (UML) candidate Polden Chopang Gurung and RPP candidate Kubir Singh Gurung, leaving the path clearer for Nepali Congress candidate Tek Bahadur Gurung.

In Rupandehi-2, RPP’s Karvika Thapa withdrew, citing Article 291 of the Constitution of Nepal, which requires a three-month waiting period after surrendering foreign permanent residency (PR).

Similarly, in Okhaldhunga, independent candidate Santa Tamang withdrew to support Nepali Communist Party nominee Amir Babu Gurung.

These maneuvers across four districts on Friday signal a tightening race as parties consolidate their votes before the final list publication.