New Government to be Formed Under Article 76 (2): NC Leader Koirala

Nepali Congress (NC) leader Shekhar Koirala has confirmed that the upcoming government will be established by Article 76 (2) of the Constitution, urging the public not to be confused by media speculation.

“There has been speculation in the media about whether the government will be formed under Article 76 (2) or 76 (3) of the Constitution. I assure you, there is no need for confusion—the new government will be formed under Article 76 (2). Many media outlets seem to be enjoying this confusion, but I want to make it clear to you all that the upcoming government will be under Article 76 (2),” Koirala stated during a scholarship distribution event at Khagendra Navajeevan Special School in Jorpati, Kathmandu, on Tuesday.

Article 76 (2) stipulates that the government should be formed by two or more parties. Clause 3, however, allows for the formation of a government led by the leader of the largest party in Parliament.

Members of the CPN-Maoist Center, led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, have claimed that if Dahal, appointed under Article 76 (2), fails to secure a vote of confidence from Parliament, a government will be formed under Clause 3. However, the Supreme Court has previously ruled that forming a government under Clause 2 should be prioritized wherever possible.

Koirala clarified that he does not support a government under Article 76 (3) and claimed that his words have been misinterpreted. “I made some remarks the other day, and they were twisted to make it seem like I am advocating for a government under Article 76 (3). For the past seven or eight months, I have been advocating for stability. The NC and UML will form a government under Article 76 (2) to provide political stability, good governance, and address the shortcomings in the Constitution,” he said.

He also mentioned that the NC and UML have agreed to lead the government alternately.

Despite the NC-UML alliance’s repeated requests for Prime Minister Dahal to vacate the post, Dahal has announced his intention to take a vote of confidence on July 12. On July 1, Congress and UML reached a new agreement to form the government and address various issues.