Major political parties intensify parleys to form a new government

Kosh Raj Koirala – Asian Tribune Correspondent in Nepal

Kathmandu, 12 May, (Asiantribune.com): : A day after President Dr Ram Baran YadavPresident Dr Ram Baran Yadav wrote a letter to Parliament to start procedures to form a majority government, two major political parties—Nepali Congress and CPN-UML-- in Nepal have started negotiation with other political parties to form a new government.

The parties have also called an all-party meeting on Tuesday to seek a political solution to the current political impasse in the country.

The meeting is aimed at holding detailed discussion on constitutional complications, the impasse in the parliament and the formation of a new government.

Nepal saw political impasse after Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) stepped down from the government on May 4 after President Dr Yadav blocked their unilateral decision to dismiss army chief
Rookmangud Katawal. The Maoists, which is the largest party in the Constituent Assembly, has been launching street protests against President’s move since the day it stepped down from the government.

Meanwhile, three regional parties on Monday announced their support to CPN-UML, which is expected to lead the new government in Nepal.

Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP), which is the fifth largest party in the Constituent Assembly, and a fringe Sadbhawana Party (SP) gave clear support to the CPN-UML. Likewise, the fourth largest party, Madhesi People´s Rights Forum (MPRF), also gave a positive response to the UML´s plea for help.

These three parties have set the implementation of the 8-point agreement reached with the government in February, 2008 as pre-condition for their support to the UML.

Prior to this, Nepali Congress, the second largest party, has already announced its support to the UML-led government. The party’s senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel said that they have been able to garner adequate support of other political parties to form a new government under UML’s leadership.

A party seeking to form majority government needs to garner support of 301 of the total 601 members in the Constituent Assembly.

- Asian Tribune -