Nepalis protest poll death

Hundreds people crying "hang the murderers" demonstrated in Nepal's capital yesterday to protest the army killing of a protester during municipal elections a day earlier.

Around protesters from opposition parties and student groups massed on the outskirts of the capital watched by dozens of riot police, witnesses said.

There was no immediate report of any violence.

Army said the protester died on Wednesday when soldiers opened fire on demonstrators protesting against the local elections called by King Gyanendra as part of his plan to restore full democracy by April next year.

Police fired tear gas at protesters burning tires as early results showed pro-government candidates sweeping the elections that were marred by rebel attacks and low turnout.

The elections on Wednesday were for the relatively powerless posts of mayors and local council members, and the dearth of voters at the polls was considered a serious blow to the rule of King Gyanendra, who seized power a year ago.

Burning chanting slogans and throwing bottles at police, about two dozen students protested the king's rule at the Amrit Science College near the palace yesterday morning. They were dispersed when police fired tear gar, and no arrests or injuries were reported.

In initial returns for 15 of the 36 cities and towns where polls were held, the pro-government Rastriya Prajatantra Party won 10 mayoralties, the pro-government Nepal Sadbhawana won two and independent candidates won three, the Election Commission said.

Six were killed in violence on election day which the US called "a hollow attempt" by King Gyanendra to solidify power. An international election observer said the vote had "a number of flaws."

The country's seven main political parties shunned the elections to protest the king's power grab, which he said was needed to bring the country's Maoist insurgency under control. However, rebel attacks have intensified in recent weeks.

"We refuse to accept the results from these so-called elections," said Krishna Sitaula of the Nepali Congress party.