nepal prez tell how to initiate PM election

Following the failure of the political parties to forge consensus for government formation, President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav has dispatched a letter to the Legislature-Parliament as per Article 38 (2) to form the new government on majority basis.

The parliament has initiated necessary homework to embark upon the prime ministerial elections following the receipt of the president’s letter.

Likewise, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meet convened by Constituent Assembly (CA) Chairman Subash Chandra Nembang today decided to hold the prime ministerial elections on Feb. 3, 5 and 6.

It is reported that Nembang will inform the lawmakers about the entire process of the PM election, as per the decision taken by the BAC meet, in the House session scheduled later today.

The new parliamentary regulations have a mandatory condition for securing simple majority (301) votes even if a single candidate files nomination for the prime ministerial post. The lawmakers will have the authority to reject the candidacy if there is only one candidate claiming for the post.

In case of multiple candidates, all the nominations will be tabled collectively in the House for decision and the lawmakers will have the option of only “yes" votes. All the candidates will be given a second chance to prove simple majority in the second round. If that fails, only two contestants securing the highest number of votes will compete in the third round.

As per the new arrangement, the prime minister's election will be inconclusive only in the case when a party whose vote is decisive to prove simple majority for the given candidate boycotts the election process. The candidate himself will withdraw his candidacy according to the new provision. In case only two candidates file nomination in the first round, the prime ministerial poll will conclude by the second round if both fail to secure majority when tested in the floor.