A significant political shift is brewing in Nepal as a new coalition government, led by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, is set to take over. This development comes after a late-night agreement was reached between the Nepali Congress President and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). According to reports, the new coalition government is expected to be formed as early as Tuesday evening (July 2). A senior Nepali Congress leader revealed that the agreement outlines a power-sharing arrangement. Under this agreement, UML Chairman KP Oli Sharma will assume the Prime Minister’s position for the next 18 months, followed by Nepal Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba who will hold the office until the next election. Notably, Prachanda’s Communist Party of Nepal has been excluded from this new coalition government. This political upheaval comes less than 100 days after Prachanda formed a new alliance government on March 4.
The news of the impending change sparked a flurry of activity. Reports emerged on Tuesday that eight ministers from the CPN-UML, who are part of the current government, are poised to resign. Mahesh Bartaula, the Chief Whip of CPN-UML, confirmed that their ministers would tender their resignations to the Prime Minister on June 2. He also suggested that the Prime Minister might step down shortly, anticipating the change in power. Simultaneously, the CPN-UML has convened a party secretariat meeting at their office scheduled for 3 pm on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Prachanda is engaged in discussions with his party officials to decide whether to resign or face a vote of confidence in parliament.
This political maneuver appears to be a tit-for-tat response to a previous incident. In March, the Nepali Congress, a key coalition partner in Prachanda’s government, was ousted and replaced by Oli’s CPN-UML. This political instability highlights the fragility of the Himalayan nation’s political landscape. Following a meeting between Deuba and Oli on Saturday, the two leaders met with Prachanda on Sunday and Monday to discuss the political situation. While Prachanda’s press adviser, Govinda Acharya, initially denied any imminent changes in the government, the recent agreement between Congress and CPN-UML signals a dramatic shift in power.
The agreement between Congress and CPN-UML outlines specific details regarding the transition of power and future political arrangements. A committee has been formed to provide recommendations on amending election procedures. This committee will also propose changes to the constitution under the leadership of former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha. The agreement also proposes making the Vice President the Chairman of the National Assembly. The parties have informed President Ram Chandra Paudel about the change in the coalition, requesting him to activate Section 76 (2) to form a new government if the current Prime Minister fails to secure a vote of confidence after the UML withdraws its support. The agreement also includes a consensus on the distribution of ministerial positions, with the party leading the government relinquishing the Home Ministry. Additionally, the parties have agreed on a distribution of leadership in various provinces. CPN-UML will head the governments in Koshi, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces, while Congress will take the lead in Bagmati, Gandaki, and Far-Western provinces.
Facing a record fourth test of his leadership, Prachanda has opted to face a vote of confidence in Parliament rather than resign. This decision reflects his determination to remain in office despite the challenges presented by the changing political landscape.
