Nepal PM Prachanda Faces Vote of Confidence Amid New Political Alliance

Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, has decided to face a vote of confidence instead of resigning. This decision was confirmed by Devendra Paudel, Secretary of the CPN-Maoist Center.

Paudel stated, “He will not resign. He has decided to take the vote of confidence, test the mathematics.” The decision is supported by the office bearers meeting, and talks will be held with various parties including the Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP), Nepali Congress, and CPN-UML.

This decision comes after the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML formed a new alliance, agreeing to share the Prime Minister’s tenure. KP Sharma Oli will lead the government for one and a half years, followed by Sher Bahadur Deuba for the remaining term until the next election.

The new alliance has also formed a committee to suggest amendments to the election procedures and the constitution, led by former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha. Additionally, a constitutional amendment agreement was drafted, stating that the Vice President would be made the chairman of the National Assembly.

Leaders from the Congress and UML informed President Ram Chandra Paudel about the change in the coalition and the activation of Section 76 (2) to form a new government if Prachanda fails the vote of confidence.

Prachanda, who came to power in December 2022, has taken the floor test four times. He initially aligned with the CPN-UML, surprising the Nepali Congress. However, he later re-aligned with the Nepali Congress, securing a majority in the vote of confidence on March 20, 2023.

In the upcoming vote of confidence, Prachanda needs to secure 138 votes out of the present number of parliamentarians. The Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, which walked out of the government, is now in opposition.