Three major parties in Nepal discuss electing new PM

KATHMANDU: Top brass of Nepal's three major political parties today discussed issues relating to the formation of a new government, including electing a new Prime Minister, after the promulgation of a fresh Constitution.

The three parties --Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist) -- met at the Prime Minister's office and discussed a a pact they had reached earlier to elect CPN-UML chairman K P Oli as the new Prime Minister, succeeding incumbent Sushil Kumar Koirala.

UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal " Prachanda" said there had been a gentleman's agreement to allow Oli to lead the next government.

"During the 16 point agreement reached among the four major parties prior to the promulgation of the Constitution, it was agreed to accept UML leader Oli as the new Prime Minister after the constitution is promulgated," Prachanda told reporters after the meeting.

Koirala during the meeting dismissed the media report that he was interested in continuing as Prime Minister.

"I am not striving to retain the Prime Minister's post again as reported in a section of media," Koirala said.

Oli, 63, stressed on the formation a consensus government.

As per the provision of the new Constitution a new Prime Minister should be elected next week, within seven days of the commencement of the winter session of the Legislative Parliament.

After electing the Prime Minister the speaker of the Parliament, President and Vice President will also be elected.

Although Koirala has not announced his resignation, once the new Prime Minister is elected as per the constitutional provision his post will automatically be vacated.

There was an understanding between ruling parties Nepali Congress and CPN-UML that Koirala will quit the top post once the Constitution is promulgated and Oli will take over new premiership.

The new Constitution, which was unveiled on September 20 after seven years of negotiations, has been opposed by Madhesi groups.

The agitating Madhesi Front claims that the Constitution does not guarantee enough rights and representation to the Madhesi and Tharu communities residing in southern Nepal.

Madhesis are Indian-origin inhabitants of the Terai region bordering India who are opposed to splitting Nepal into seven provinces.

At least 40 people have died in over a month of clashes between police and protesters from the Madhesi and Tharu communities and ethnic minorities.

The major parties are mulling the proposal of amending the Constitution to address the demands of the agitating parties including ensuring proportionate representation of the Madhesi people in government jobs, the inclusiveness and allocating parliament seats on the basis of population.