Nepali Congress and CPN-UML Form New Alliance
The Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) (CPN-UML) have struck a deal to form a new government. According to the agreement, KP Sharma Oli will lead the government for the first one and a half years, followed by Sher Bahadur Deuba for the remaining term until the next election.
Agreement Details
The agreement was signed by Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli. The new alliance excludes the current government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda. The parties have agreed on the division of ministries, with the leading party not getting the Home Ministry. The CPN-UML will form governments in Koshi, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces, while the Congress will lead Bagmati, Gandaki, and Far-Western provinces. Madhesh-based parties will lead the government in Madhesh Province.
Constitutional Amendments
A committee led by former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha has been formed to suggest amendments to the election procedures and the constitution. The agreement also includes a provision to make the Vice President the chairman of the National Assembly.
President Informed
Leaders from both parties informed President Ram Chandra Paudel about the new coalition and the activation of Section 76 (2) to form a new government if the current Prime Minister fails to secure a vote of confidence.
Current Government’s Response
Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s government has not yet reacted to the new alliance. However, Dahal reassured his ministers that the current coalition remains intact and dismissed reports of instability as rumors.
