PM Dahal seeking vote of confidence for third time today

Published On: March 13, 2024 09:30 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, March 13: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is seeking a vote of confidence from the House of Representatives today.

Following the Nepali Congress' decision to switch to the opposition after a change in alliances, Prime Minister Dahal is proceeding with the confidence vote in the parliament.

During today's session of the House of Representatives at 11 AM, Prime Minister Dahal will present a proposal in accordance with Rule 155 of the Rules of the House of Representatives 2079 BS to obtain the confidence of the House of Representatives as per Clause 2 of Article 100 of the Constitution of Nepal. The discussion on the proposal is scheduled for two hours, divided among the parties.

Following the discussion, the speaker will call for a vote of confidence. The decision will be made through a division of votes, with members signing in favor or against. A majority vote in favor will grant the Prime Minister the confidence of the parliament.

Currently, there are 274 members in the 275-member parliament. PM Dahal requires 138 votes for a majority.

The new coalition, formed after March 4, comprises 154 MPs, including CPN-UML 79, CPN (Maoist Center) 32, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) 21, Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) 12, and CPN (Unified Socialist) Party 10.

Additionally, the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NAUPA) holds four MPs. While the party has expressed support for the government, internal disputes have cast uncertainty. Aam Janata Party's Prabhu Shah, as well as independent MPs Amresh Kumar Singh and Yogendra Mandal, are likely to vote in favor, although they remain undecided.

Opposition to the Prime Minister comprises 114 votes from Nepali Congress (88), Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) (14), Janmat Party (6), Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (4), Nepal Workers Peasants Party (NWPP) (1), and Rastriya Janamorcha (1).

Prime Minister Dahal initially obtained a vote of confidence on December 26, 2022, following his appointment under Article 76 (4) of the Constitution. At that time, out of 270 MPs present, 268 voted in favor and 2 against.

On March 20, 2023, Prime Minister Dahal sought another vote of confidence after forming a new alliance with the Maoists and the Nepali Congress.

Out of 265 present MPs, 172 voted in favor, with some parties, including the UML, voting against (89 votes) and one neutral vote recorded.