Nepal’s political landscape, known for its ever-changing alliances, has seen a new shift in partnerships. Just four months after the Communist Party of Nepal-United Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) joined forces with the ruling CPN-Maoist Center (CPN-MC) to form a government, a new agreement was reached on July 1 with the Nepali Congress (NC) to establish a new “national consensus government.”
With the NC holding 89 seats and the CPN-UML with 78 seats, together they have a combined strength of 167 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, surpassing a simple majority.
By withdrawing support from the CPN-MC-led coalition government on July 3, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal now leads a minority government with just 32 seats. Facing a vote of confidence within 30 days, it is likely that he may not retain power.
However, given the volatile nature of Nepali politics and the tendency of parties to switch alliances, there is still a possibility of Dahal holding onto power against the odds.
Despite a history of shifting loyalties, the current scenario presents challenges for Dahal as he navigates the intricacies of coalition politics to secure his position. The political landscape in Nepal remains unpredictable as parties continue to maneuver for power.
The recent agreement between the NC and CPN-UML to share the prime ministerial position and ministerial portfolios reflects a strategic move to maintain political stability, though skepticism remains among experts about the true intentions behind the alliance.
As Nepal grapples with political uncertainties, the road to constitutional amendments and electoral reforms presents a complex and arduous journey. While the proposed changes aim to address ongoing challenges, they also raise concerns about the impact on the country’s democratic processes and governance.
Ultimately, the core issues of political opportunism and unprincipled alliances continue to shape Nepal’s political landscape, highlighting the need for long-term stability and cohesive governance.