Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal Loses Confidence Vote

Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, was ousted from his position after failing to secure a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives. Dahal, who had been in office for over a year and six months, needed 138 votes but only received 63. Out of the 275-member House, 194 lawmakers voted against him, and one abstained.

Dahal called for the floor test after the CPN-UML withdrew its support, following a deal with the Nepali Congress to form a new coalition. This reduced Dahal’s government to a minority. During his address, Dahal emphasized the importance of the constitution, which was built on a decade-long revolt and movements by oppressed groups.

This was Dahal’s fifth floor test since his appointment on December 25, 2022. His first test on January 10, 2023, saw him receive 268 votes. Subsequent tests occurred due to shifting alliances, with varying support. With Dahal’s failure, President Ramchandra Paudel will call for a new government. UML chair KP Sharma Oli will lead the new government for a year and a half, followed by Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.