Kathmandu, May 10
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has lost his position as the executive chief of the country with the support of the majority in the legislature, on Monday.
During voting held in Kathmandu on Monday in response to his decision to obtain a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives, Oli could not garner the 136 votes that were required to continue his position.
Oli even could not secure votes from all lawmakers of his own CPN-UML also as a section of the party had decided to boycott the vote.
Two opposition parties–Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre–voted against him whereas the Janata Samjbadi Party Nepal remained divided.
Here’s the summary of the result:
- Votes cast: 232
- For Oli: 93
- Against Oli: 124
- Neutral votes: 15
- Required to prove majority: 136
What next?
It is not clear what will happen next.
The Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre want to form the new coalition government but they do not have the majority votes required with the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, as a whole, not supporting the coalition.
Therefore, it is highly likely that Oli will be appointed the prime minister again as per article 76 (3) of the constitution as the chief of the biggest party in the House notwithstanding him losing the majority support. This will require him to obtain a vote of confidence in the next 30 days.
If the political scenario remains intact until then, he will fail in securing the position again. That, in effect, will allow him to dissolve the House constitutionally and announce fresh polls.
Earlier, in December 2020, Oli had dissolved the House, but the Supreme Court had reinstated it arguing all options of the government formation were not attempted.
