Nepali President Bidya Devi Bhandari paves way for formation of new government

Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Monday removed constitutional impediment in the formation of a new government under the Transitional Provisions of the Constitution, and paved the way for a successor to assume office after the incumbent prime minister stepped down.

Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli-led cabinet on Sunday recommended to the President to invoke Article 305 as there was no provision to elect a new Prime Minister after Oli's resignation, Kathmandu Post reported.

Bhandari issued an order to elect a new Prime Minister under the provisions of the Article 298 (2) and (3) of the Constitution.

"According to the Article 298, a new government cannot be formed directly through House after resignation of Oli," Minister for Information and Communication Sherdhan Rai, who is also the government spokesman, said.

However, under the Article 305, in case of any difficulties in implementing the Constitution, the President can issue necessary orders to remove such difficulty on the recommendation of the government. However, such orders must be submitted to the legislature/pparliament for approval.

It has been reported that Bhandari will make formal appeal to major political parties soon to form the new government based on consensus.

After serving as the Prime Minister for nine months, Oli stepped down on Sunday after his government was reduced to minority as its coalition partners Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre), Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum (Loktantrik) and Rashtriya Prajatantra Party pulled out support.

It has been learned that Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Chairman of CPN (Maoist-Centre), will lead the new government as his party and the major opposition Nepali Congress had earlier agreed to form the coalition government on a rotational basis.