Nepal’s Prime Minister Prachanda Faces Tough Vote of Confidence

The Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) has instructed its lawmakers to vote against Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, in an upcoming vote of confidence. UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula issued the directive ahead of the vote scheduled for July 12.

Prime Minister Dahal is seeking a vote of confidence after the UML withdrew its support and formed a new alliance with the main opposition, the Nepali Congress. This coalition significantly reduces Dahal’s chances of securing the vote. According to the agreement between UML and Nepali Congress, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli is set to be the next Prime Minister.

On July 3, 2024, the UML formally exited the government, leading to Dahal heading a minority government. The UML’s alliance with the Nepali Congress was forged past midnight on July 2, changing the political landscape of Nepal. All eight UML ministers resigned following this shift.

In the 275-member house, the Nepali Congress holds 88 seats, CPN-UML has 79 seats, RSP has 20 seats, and the Maoist Center led by Dahal has 32 seats. Dahal has been switching alliances between the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to maintain power. With the latest political changes, the Maoist Center will be in opposition for the first time in a decade.

Clause 76 of the Constitution of Nepal mandates that Dahal must take a vote of confidence within 30 days of the UML’s withdrawal. Dahal has faced four votes of confidence in less than 20 months. In the first vote after the November 2022 general elections, Dahal secured over 99% of the votes. He managed to secure a majority in subsequent votes in March 2023 and May 2023, despite opposition.

To remain in power, Dahal needs to secure 138 votes in the upcoming vote of confidence. He was appointed Prime Minister on December 25, 2022, by then-President Bidhya Devi Bhandari after showing the support of 169 lawmakers.