Nepali Congress, CPN-UML to field own premiership candidates

Leaders of the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML have decided to field their own candidates for the premiership of the next government.

Nepali Congress office bearers have, according to a report by The Himalayan Times, decided to begin the groundwork for garnering support of other parties for their candidate to lead the next government.

The Standing Committee of the UML has decided to name its Chairman K P Sharma Oli as the party's prime ministerial candidate.

According to The Himalayan Times, the Unified CPN-Maoist is expected to play the kingmaker's role, as the Nepali Congress and the UML will need its support to attain a majority in the Parliament.

The UCPN-M, however, has stressed that the three parties must not be divided on government formation, said UCPN-M leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

The UCPN-M is ready to support an Oli-led government if the Nepali Congress supports the same. However, it has not decided what to do if both NC and UML claimed the PM's post.

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress spokesperson Dilendra Prasad Badu was quoted by the paper, as saying that the UML has deviated from the spirit of past "gentlemen agreements" and public commitments.

"The NC has yet to decide who will be the party's prime ministerial candidate. It will be decided after further consultations," Badu was quoted, as saying further.