Madhesi parties likely to vote for Sushil Koirala in Nepal PM election

As a post-script to the drafting of the country’s new democratic federal constitution, adopted by an overwhelming majority on September 20, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala is slated to step down to facilitate the election of a new premier.

Earlier on Friday, President Ram Baran Yadav had asked the parliament to start procedures to elect the prime minister in line with Nepal’s newly-promulgated constitution.

Sushil Koirala of Nepali Congress party and CPN-UML Chairman K.P. Sharma Oli are in the race for the Prime Minister post in Nepal.

Oli has reasons to feel betrayed by Koirala, as a gentlemen’s agreement berween Oli, Dahal and Koirala on June 8 had favoured Oli succeeding Koirala as the Prime Minister – a reiteration of the promise Koirala made at the time of becoming Prime Minister.

The Unified CPN-Maoist led by Prachanda and a few other fringe parties have also assured backing to Oli’s candidature.

The country’s new charter mandates installation of a new prime minister and thereafter the president, vice-president and speaker of parliament by the Constituent Assembly within weeks of its adoption.

The Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxists Leninist), the second largest political force in the Nepali parliament, chose to field candidacy for the post of prime minister.

He said he would pursue the politics of cooperation and collaboration whether he wins or loses the election.

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.

They are against 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.