Kathmandu: Nepal today announced plans to elect a new prime minister this weekend, three weeks after the country adopted a new constitution that triggered deadly protests and a border blockade.
Incumbent prime minister Sushil Koirala had pledged to step down after the constitution Nepal's first to be drawn up by elected representatives was adopted on September 20.
He announced on October 2 he would ask the president to begin the process of forming a new government.
After parties failed to agree on a consensus candidate for prime minister, President Ram Baran Yadav asked parliament to vote, speaker Subash Chandra Nembang told lawmakers.
"I have fixed the election for the post of the prime minister... on Sunday at 11 in the morning," Nembang said.
Parties have a day to register their nominations. If none of the candidates is able to secure a simple majority, the speaker will set a date for re-elections to be held.
The constitution marks the final stage in a peace process that began when Maoist rebels laid down their arms in 2006 after a decade-long insurgency.
The charter was meant to end years of inequality and cement peace but bitter disputes over its provisions have sparked violent protests and a blockade of a key trade route by demonstrators that has forced nationwide fuel rationing.
More than 40 people have been killed in clashes between police and protesters representing ethnic minorities who say a new federal structure laid out in the constitution will leave them under-represented in the national parliament.
Incumbent prime minister Sushil Koirala had pledged to step down after the constitution Nepal's first to be drawn up by elected representatives was adopted on September 20.
He announced on October 2 he would ask the president to begin the process of forming a new government.
"I have fixed the election for the post of the prime minister... on Sunday at 11 in the morning," Nembang said.
Advertisement
The constitution marks the final stage in a peace process that began when Maoist rebels laid down their arms in 2006 after a decade-long insurgency.
Advertisement
More than 40 people have been killed in clashes between police and protesters representing ethnic minorities who say a new federal structure laid out in the constitution will leave them under-represented in the national parliament.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"Committed To Strengthen Nepal-India Relations": Newly Appointed PM KP Sharma Oli KP Sharma Oli Takes Oath As Nepal PM After Prachanda Loses Trust Vote PM Modi Congratulates Nepali PM K P Sharma Oli On His Third Term Win Why BJP Lost Lok Sabha Polls In Uttar Pradesh - 6 Reasons In Party Report World's Largest Isolated Tribe Makes Rare Appearance In New Footage Puja Khedkar's Father Was Suspended Twice On Extortion Complaints Supreme Court Hears NEET Case, Says It Has "Social Ramifications" Watch: Ashneer Grover's Reaction To 22-Year-Old's Monthly Earning Viral IIT Kanpur Introduces 'SATHEE SSC' Platform For Exam Preparation Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.