The Maoists, who happen to be the former rebel group of Nepal, are found to have taken an early lead in the recently held historic election. Of the announced seven results till Saturday 12 April, the Maoists had won five seats. That they were leading in over half of 102 constituencies where counting was on, came as a surprise even to the Maoists themselves.

 

It will take about 10 days to come up with the final result of the polls that will be Nepal's first in nine years. A ongoing calculation of votes indicates Maoist chief Prachanda as well as other leaders from his group as being ahead of his opponents. Few important leaders from other political parties are following. Commenting on the Maoists an Asian diplomat said that the election poll results have surprised the former rebels too.

 

The victories for the Maoists so far have come from areas not known to be their stronghold. The result from the southern reaches of Nepal, housing half the population among whom Maoists are less popular, have not come yet. Maoists remarked that the people had voted for a change and for a 'new vision'. Some of their rebels seemed to agree with this viewpoint.