Ex-rebels extend lead in Nepal poll

Nepal's former leftist rebels have widened their lead in crucial elections meant to map the country's political future and create a new Himalayan republic, the latest tally showed yesterday.

Results from last Thursday's elections for a special assembly meant to write a new constitution and formally abolish the 240-year-old Hindu monarchy show the leftists have won 83 of the 160 seats declared, according to election officials.

The once-feared guerrillas, still considered terrorists by the United States government, are also leading by a similar ratio in other constituencies, election officials said.