KATHMANDU, May 20: Prime Minister KP Oli has decided not to seek a vote of confidence in parliament. He has instead decided to pave the way for forming a new government as per Article 76(5) of the constitution. 

A meeting of the cabinet held on Thursday decided to recommend to President Bidya Devi Bhandari to summon a new House session on May 23. The new house session will initiate the process to form a new government under Article 76(5) of the constitution. 

KP Oli was earlier appointed as Prime Minister in his capacity as the leader of the largest party in parliament as per Article 76(3). Such a prime minister is required to seek a vote of confidence in parliament within one month of the appointment as per Article 76(4) of the constitution. 

The formation of a new government as per Article 76(5) comes into effect if the Prime Minister appointed under Article 76(3) is unable to secure a vote of confidence in parliament within a month of his appointment. Sources close to Prime Minister Oli said the decision to pave the way to form a new government under Article 76(5) was made as there is no possibility to secure a vote of confidence in parliament. 

President Bhandari can appoint a person who reaches the President’s Office with the support of a majority of lawmakers in parliament as per Article 76(5). But if no one is able to show the support of the majority of lawmakers in parliament, the parliament is automatically dissolved and a new election is held. Sources said PM Oli wants to use this constitutional provision and hold the next general elections as a caretaker prime minister.

 
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