Coalition Negotiations Heat Up

The largest parties within the ruling coalition of Nepal—Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center)—have intensified their negotiations, focusing on the allocation of National Assembly seats. The leaders, including CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, convened for a crucial meeting at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar earlier today.

During the meeting, a preliminary discussion took place regarding the distribution of the 19 seats in the upcoming National Assembly election scheduled for January 25. A Congress leader revealed that talks centered on determining the number of seats each party within the coalition would be granted.

Sources suggest that a formal meeting of the coalition is likely to be convened on Wednesday, where a comprehensive agreement on the allocation of National Assembly seats is anticipated to be reached.

The current ruling coalition comprises Nepali Congress, Maoist Center, CPN (Unified Socialist), Janata Samajbadi Party, Janamat Party, Democratic Socialist Party, and Nagarik Unmukti Party. Additionally, while the Rastriya Janamorcha has not officially joined the government, it has been providing support from the outside.

The Nepali Congress has asserted its claim to 10 seats in the National Assembly, further emphasizing the intricacies of the ongoing negotiations.

It is noteworthy that twelve political parties have submitted applications to the Election Commission, expressing their intent to participate in the upcoming National Assembly election. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the outcome of these coalition discussions is eagerly awaited, with potential ramifications for the composition and stability of the ruling alliance.