Nevertheless, neither Ram Chandra Paudel, the lone candidate for prime minister, has shown his intention to withdraw from the race, nor have parties that have remained neutral in the voting shown any sign of reconciliation and consensus to end the deadlock. [break]
Talking to media persons after the voting, CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal said there is no alternative to consensus to end the deadlock. He argued that Paudel himself should withdraw from the race. "Each time the prime ministerial candidate loses election, he become lesser and lesser eligible for the post," he said.
During the 15th round of voting on Monday, Poudel had secured 96 votes. While 31 lawmakers stayed neutral two others had voted against his candidacy.
A prime ministerial candidate must secure at least 300 votes in parliament. The 16th round of voting has been scheduled for 3 pm, November 4.
Chairman Khanal asked NC leaders to think calmly and withdraw prime ministerial candidacy to end the deadlock.
Talking to media persons, Paudel said he is continuing the race for the cause of consensus. "I have failed to understand why those talking about consensus have failed to forge consensus," he said. "The parties talking about consensus have also stopped talking about consensus now."
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