Former Maoist rebels in Nepal have failed to have the candidate they were supporting elected as first president of the new republic, state TV says.
Ramraja Prasad Singh lost a run-off in the constituent assembly to Nepali Congress party candidate Ram Baran Yadav by 282 votes to 308, reports say.
The monarchy was abolished in May after elections won by the former rebels.
Nepal's president will be a largely ceremonial figure but plays a crucial role in forming the government.
The president must swear in a new prime minister - and correspondents say Mr Yadav's election could jeopardise efforts by the Maoists to form an administration.
The former rebels emerged as the biggest party after April's elections to the constituent assembly with one third of the seats.
(BBC)
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