Nepal's CPN-UML demands fresh presidential election

The CPN-UML, the second largest party in Nepal's Constituent Assembly, today demanded fresh elections for the post of President and Vice President.

"The parliament should start the process of electing a new President and Vice President at the earliest, as per the new mandate of the people," said CPN-UML Parliamentary Party leader K P Sharma Oli.

As the people had elected a new Constituent Assembly in November, the parliament too should elect a new President and Vice President, he said.

Speaking at a meeting of the Constituent Assembly, he cited examples of neighbouring countries like India and China, where the President is elected for a fixed term. He argued it was essential to elect a new President and Vice President to maintain democratic norms.
 

The CPN-UML's demand is in sharp contrast to that of the Nepali Congress, the largest party in the 601-member Constituent Assembly which favours continuing with the incumbent President and Vice President until the Constituent Assembly drafts a new Constitution.

Political parties have committed themselves to promulgating a new Constitution within a year.

Oli said his party is ready to support the Nepali Congress if it moves forward to form a coalition government. However, the CPN-UML has asked the Nepali Congress to frame concrete proposals for power-sharing before seeking support to form a coalition under the leadership of Nepali Congress chief Sushil Koirala.