Paudel said he is helpless as he (being a candidate) can´t object to the decisions taken by Speaker Nembang upon suggestions from the political parties.[break]
“The voting is being conducted only to satisfy the Maoists´ and the speaker´s wishes. Ask them why they are repeating it even during the festivals,” seemingly frustrated Nepali Congress (NC) leader Paudel told reporters outside the parliament building after the voting on Sunday.
The turnout of the lawmakers during the voting clearly showed that they are no more enthusiastic about participating in the futile voting.
Altogether, 119 lawmakers participated in the voting on Sunday excluding the Maoist and CPN-UML parliamentarians who abstained from voting despite being present at the parliament hall. Of them, 89 voted for Paudel, one against him and 29 members cast their votes for neutral position.
This is the lowest turnout ever since the first voting was held on July 21. The number is far below the quorum required to take any decision in the House.
As the current membership of the 601-seat House is 598 at least 150 members are needed for a quorum. The Interim Constitution says no question or resolution shall be presented for decision at any meeting of parliament unless one-fourth of the total membership is present.
As per parliamentary regulations, the speaker checks whether the number is sufficient for a quorum only if a lawmaker so demands.
“It has become a tricky issue because had the speaker checked the number it would have been sufficient for quorum as Maoist and UML lawmakers were present at the meeting. But, at the same time, the record of the lawmakers´ participation in the voting shows the number was below the quorum as members from the two parties abstained,” said a lawmaker.
When asked why the parties are for repeating the voting for new prime minister, Paudel said, “You should better ask the speaker because I can´t raise the question over whether the proposal can be tabled for decision at a meeting that fell short of the quorum,” Paudel said.
He said such meaningless voting only wasted parliament´s time. Paudel also urged the UML leaders, who have staying neutral ever since the first round of voting, to come down on one side of the fence or the other.
“Maoists have lately made it clear that they are not for peace and democracy. Now, its high time for UML leaders to make it clear whether they are for democratic or left alliance,” Paudel said.
Maoist and UML members have been abstaining from voting ever since leaders from the two parties reached a three-point deal three weeks ago. Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal became ready to withdraw his candidacy after UML leaders agreed not to participate in the voting.
Paudel cannot secure a majority in the House without support from the UML.
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