Nepal, Feb. 25 -- In Baitadi, a far-western district with only one electoral constituency, the upcoming election has turned into a high-stakes and closely watched contest.

A diverse and high-profile lineup of candidates has entered the race, making this one of the most intriguing electoral battles in the region.

Among the prominent faces are Bhupendra Bahadur Chand, son of former Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand; Nepali Congres leader Chatur Bahadur Chand, also president of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN); as well as candidates representing the Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party, the Shram Sanskriti Party led by Harka Sampang, the Aam Janata Party (AJP), and the Madhesh-centric Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal.

The breadth of con...