CPN (Maoist Center) is holding internal discussions after the largest ruling partner CPN (UML) agreed to a power sharing deal with the opposition Nepali Congress (NC).
Party Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has called an office-bearers’ meeting in Baluwatar.
The UML is making preparations to recall its ministers and announce that its support to the Prime Minister no longer remains.
The Prime Minister will then formally fall into the minority.
After falling into the minority, Prachanda will have two options.
First- to tender resignation.
Next – to face the vote of confidence.
The Prime Minister does not need to wait any longer to resign. It is only a voluntary decision, no constitutional obligation.
UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has already asked Prime Minister Prachanda to pave the way for the formation of a government of national consensus.
The Prime Minister has to take the vote of confidence within 30 days when a ruling partner pulls out of the government and withdraws its support to it.
If the Prime Minister feels that he can create an environment in his favor within the next one month, he can render efforts on that.
Given the present political circumstances, he is unlikely to secure the vote of confidence unless one of the forces -- Congress or UML -- comes to his side.
The other option for Maoist Center could be to argue that the government should be formed in line with Article 76 (3) of the Constitution.
When that happens, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba becomes the Prime Minister.
According to Article 76 (3), Maoist Center can also promise that they will support Deuba if he becomes the Prime Minister.
However, Oli and Deuba believe that the President will take the process forward in line with Article 76 (2) of the Constitution that calls for the formation of a coalition government.
