Moderate Communist leader Madhav Kumar Nepal was elected as the new Prime Minister of Nepal by Parliament, ending the weeks-long political crisis and easing the Maoists out of power after a short stint.
The 56-year-old CPN-UML leader, who has backing of 351 lawmakers in the 601-member Constituent Assembly, was elected unopposed with the support of a 22-party alliance. The Maoists boycotted voting and said they will not join the government.
"He (Nepal) has been elected unopposed as the new prime minister of the federal democratic republic of Nepal," Speaker Subash Nemwang announced.
The President will administer oath to Nepal, the second elected premier of the republic, tomorrow, sources said.
Amid cheers by his supporters, who offered him flowers, Nepal told reporters that he has been given "serious responsibilities" and will run the government "by forging cooperation and understanding with all sides."
Nepal will replace Maoist chief Prachanda who resigned as premier on May 4 after differences with President Ram Baran Yadav on the issue of sacking of army chief Gen Rukmangad Katawal. The Maoists, whose nearly nine-month old government collapsed after CPN-UML withdrew support, had blocked Parliament for weeks before allowing the government formation.
Prachanda was conspicuous by his absence in Parliament today.
{{/usCountry}}Prachanda was conspicuous by his absence in Parliament today.
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