KP Sharma Oli sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister

KP Sharma Oli was sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister for the second time. He is the 41st prime minister of Nepal. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by President Bidya Devi Bhandari. He is known for his pro-China stance and had served as the country’s prime minister from October 2015 to August 2016.

Background

In the recently concluded Parliamentary elections, Left alliance of CPN-UML led by Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre led by Prachanda had secured almost two third majority in Parliament. Oli’s party CPN-UML secured 121 seats in 275-member Parliament making it largest party in Parliament. The Nepali Congress had won 63 seats while CPN-Maoist Centre has 53 seats. The total strength of CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Centre was 174, sufficient to form a majority government at the Centre. Oli’s PM candidacy was supported by UCPN-Maoists, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, and Madhesi Rights Forum-Democratic along with 13 other small parties

Comment

The successful elections were seen as final step in Nepal’s transition to a federal democracy following a decade-long civil war till 2006 that claimed more than 16,000 lives. It is also seen as step forward in cementing democracy and providing political stability to Nepal. In 2015 Nepal had adopted new Constitution that split country into seven federal states.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2018