London: Two non-resident Nepalis were elected in Belgium’s local elections held on Sunday.

Among the 11 Nepali-origin candidates from different municipalities, districts, and regions representing various parties, Surya Dhakal was elected from the Socialist VOIT Party in Leuven, and Pragya Timilsina won from the CD&V Party in Bruges. The 25-year-old young candidate Timilsina hails from Kaski district and moved to Belgium.

According to local journalist Kejin Rai, for the first time in Belgium’s history, representatives from the Nepali community have entered local government through elections.

Former president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association, Belgium, Gangadhar Gautam, stated that the victory of Nepali candidates in the local elections marks a new milestone for the Nepali community and is a moment of pride. He added that the success of Nepali-origin candidates has excited the Nepali community.

In most areas where Nepali candidates contested, the voters were confused about whom to vote for, as there was competition between Nepali candidates themselves.