Nepal Parliament to vote for a sixth time for post of PM

KATHMANDU - Parliament in Nepal will vote for a sixth time on Sunday for the post of Prime Minister.ccording to Nepalnews, all political parties have remained firm on their stance and there hasn’t been any progress an talks among parties.

The CPN (UML) and the Madhesi parties, which have a critical role to play in deciding on the next coalition, have made their decisions. The UML has decided to remain neutral, while the Madhesi Front is still undecided on whether to vote or remain neutral.

The Unified CPN (Maoist) candidate can get elected if the Madhesi Front or at least a major constituent supports them. The Nepali Congress will require the support of the UML as well as the Madhes-based parties.

UCPN (Maoist) is considering a withdrawal of its candidate before the elections to pave the way for fresh consensus talks. However, the Nepali Congress is adamant about not withdrawing its candidate.

In the fifth run off, Maoists leader Prachanda had secured 246 votes, while 111 votes were cast against him. Some 206 lawmakers opted for the ‘no vote’ section in the ballot paper. Altogether 563 lawmakers participated in the voting process.

Similarly, Ram Chandra Poudel got 124 votes, while 243 voted were cast against him and 200 lawmakers remained neutral. 567 lawmakers cast their votes when Poudel’s name was put to vote.

The previous five elections held on August 23, August 6, July 21, July 23 and August 2 had failed to elect a prime minister.

Nepal is moving towards a political and economic crisis, as it is being run by a caretaker government for over two months. The government has not been able to take any major decisions, after the government stepped down on June 31.

According to existing parliamentary regulations the election for the post of prime minister keeps on repeating till a prime minister is elected. (ANI)