Kathmandu, 2 December: The race of leading the new government has intensified before the votes have been counted. Nepali Congress, Maoist Center, United Socialists and National People’s Front are all clear that the current coalition will be maintained, but differences are beginning to surface on how to maintain it.
According to a top leader closely monitoring the activities within the coalition, it may take more than one month to form a new government. “Prachanda is in a bit of a hurry, we are in a wait and watch mood,” said the leader.
Chairman of the Maoist Center Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has asked Madhav Nepal, the president of the United Samajwadi Party, who went to Rautahat, in the middle of the discussion, to find a middle path for an overall consensus. Prachanda is insisting that Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba should take turns in leading the next government, even if it is for a short period, he should be given opportunity to lead at the first phase.
Prachanda has been insisting that Deuba got a chance to become the Prime Minister after the movement against the dissolution of the Parliament, and now he should be given an opportunity to lead the next government. As per the election results, Prachand has been unable to become a decisive force alone, he wants to use Madhav Nepal as a bargaining chip.
On the contrary, Madhav Nepal is looking for a package deal. According to him, the remaining parties should be ready to discuss the ‘overall issues’ for the formation of next government with national consensus in selection the Prime Minister. Leader Nepal has been openly saying that a deal should be made on the package relating to appointment at the constitutional bodies, chief ministers and the provincial heads before the next government is formed.
According to Nepal, the conclusion on who will lead the government is yet to be reached. He has maintained that no agreement can be reached only on the central government without agreement for the Prime Minister, President, Vice -President, Speaker, Deputy -Speaker, important ministerial portfolios at the centre including the Chief Ministers and the heads of the provinces.
Jhalnath Khanal has also staked his claim for post of President, and discussion is likely to proceed from a new angle. In the event Deuba cannot the retain the post of the Prime Minister he may be opted for the President. Baburam Bhattarai or another leaders may be searched for the post of the Head of the State.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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