Gangtok: The ruling SKM was leading in 29 of the 32 Assembly seats in Sikkim, while the SDF was ahead in one constituency, according to initial trends available on the Election Commission of India website Sunday.
The counting of votes for the Sikkim Assembly election commenced at 6am Sunday.
Chief Minister and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) candidate Prem Singh Tamang was leading by around 4,830 votes over his nearest SDF rival Som Nath Poudyal from the Rhenock Assembly constituency, while in the Soreng Chakung Assembly constituency, Tamang is leading by 2,052 votes over his nearest SDF rival A D Subba.
Former CM and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) supremo Pawan Kumar Chamling was trailing behind SKM candidate Raju Basnet by 546 votes in Namcheybung seat. In the Poklok Kamrang Assembly constituency, Chamling was trailing behind Bhoj Raj Rai of SKM by 1,057 votes.
Former India Football captain and SDF candidate Bhaichung Bhutia was trailing behind SKM rival Riksal Dorjee Bhutia by 2,872 votes in the Barfung Assembly seat.
Sikkim BJP unit president Dilli Ram Thapa was trailing behind his SKM rival Kala Rai by 1,543 votes in the Upper Burtuk Assembly constituency.
The majority of the exit polls predicted that SKM would retain power in the state with a substantial majority.
Agencies