Kolkata, DHNS: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) led by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling lost to the opposition Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in the Assembly elections by two seats.
The SDF managed to win 15 seats, while SKM won 17 out of the 32 Assembly constituencies in Sikkim, as per the latest update on EC website.
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Chamling emerged victorious from Poklok Kamrang constituency where he defeated his nearest SKM rival Kharka Bahadur Rai with a margin of 2,899 votes. Chamling also contested from the Namchi Sinhithang constituency and defeated Ganesh Rai by 377 votes. Chamling has been the chief minister for more than two decades since 1994.
The SDF also bagged Upper Tadong seat where its candidate Gay Thshering Dhungel defeated his nearest rival Anand Lama (SKM) by 898 votes. The party also won the Barfung seat where its candidate Tashi Thendup Bhutia defeated SKM’s Lobzang Bhutia with a narrow margin of 79 votes. SKM MLA Sonam Lama retained the Sangha seat. He defeated his nearest rival SKM’s Tshering Lama by 618 votes.
SKM candidate Karma Loady Bhutia defeated his SDF rival Garjaman Gurung by 873 votes. SKM also won from Shyari where its candidate Kunga Nima Lepcha defeated his nearest rival Karma Wangdi Bhutia with a margin of 1,356 votes.