Nepal headed for PM elections?

Nepal seems headed for another round of prime ministerial polls unless the three major political parties reach a quick-fix solution on heading the next government. HT reports.

Nepal seems headed for another round of prime ministerial polls unless the three major political parties reach a quick-fix solution on heading the next government.

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The week-long deadline given by President Ram Baran Yadav expires on Friday, but despite their public postures seeking consensus, all three parties are adamant on securing the PM's seat.

A meeting of Nepali Congress, Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) leaders held on Thursday failed to make any headway.

According to nepalnews.com, Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal is insisting that his party should be given the PM's post as it is the largest in parliament.

Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala argued that since both Maoists and CPN (UML) have headed governments after the 2008 general election, it is his party's turn.

And CPN (UML) chairman Jhalanath Khanal says his party is ready to support a government led by either NC or Maoists. But if that doesn't happen, they should be given the leadership role. The leaders will meet again on Friday, but chances of any agreement appear slim. If that happens, the President will order a fresh round of voting in parliament to elect the PM by majority vote.

Nepal has been without an effective government since June last year. Despite 16 rounds of voting to elect a new prime minister, differences among the three parties have failed to break the deadlock.