India, US slam Nepal municipal poll as 145;hollow exercise146;

municipal elections called by the King today represented a hollow

attempt to legitimise power,8217;8217; the US State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said yesterday.

He said that 8216;8216;the only effective way to deal with the threat posed by Maoists is to restore democracy in Nepal.8217;8217; 8216;8216;We call upon the King to release all political detainees and initiate a dialogue with the parties. His continuing refusal to take these steps is leading his country further down the path of violence and disorder,8217;8217; he added.

Protesters protested Katmandu on Thursday, as early results show pro-government candidates sweeping local elections.

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.

India today also raised questions over the credibility of the Nepal poll. With no mainstream political party participating, New Delhi felt such an exercise fails to contribute to restoration of democracy.

8216;8216;The fact is that the elections have been held against the backdrop of a boycott by the major recognised political parties, sharp curtailment of their legitimate activities, and continued arrest and detention in various forms of many of their leaders,8217;8217; said the MEA spokesperson. India said involvement by all parties was essential for a 8216;8216;credible electoral exercise.8217;8217;