CPN-UML’s KP Sharma Oli Stakes Claim to Nepal’s Prime Ministership

CPN-UML leader KP Sharma Oli has staked his claim to form a new government in Nepal after Pushpa Kamal Dahal lost the vote of confidence. Oli seeks support from Nepali Congress and his party to achieve a 165-member majority. President Ram Chandra Paudel has set a deadline for Sunday evening.

CPN-UML leader KP Sharma Oli on Friday laid claim to the office of Nepal's Prime Minister after Pushpa Kamal Dahal failed a vote of confidence in Parliament, local media reported. Following Dahal's loss in the trust vote, President Ram Chandra Paudel called on political parties to form a new government by Sunday evening, according to the Kathmandu Post.

Oli presented his claim to President Paudel, citing Article 76 (2) of the Constitution, and garnered the support of 165 lawmakers, including 77 from his own party and 88 from the Nepali Congress. The push for Oli's leadership came shortly after Dahal, now a caretaker Prime Minister, failed to secure enough votes in the House of Representatives.

In a statement issued by the Office of the President, Paudel called on members of the House to show a majority from two or more political parties by 5 PM on Sunday to stake a claim for the Prime Ministerial post. UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula confirmed, "KP Sharma Oli from the new alliance is staking his claim to the Prime Minister's position tonight." The Nepali Congress and UML have reached an agreement, aiming to install Oli as the new Prime Minister.

(With inputs from agencies.)