He further clarified that UML would not vote for Paudel to form a majority government.[break] “UML wanted to form a government commanding at least two-thirds majority that could guarantee peace and constitution. Electing Paudel, who is for forming a simple majority government, is not a solution to the present deadlock,” Khanal said at a function on Saturday.
Terming the NC as the major stumbling block to ending the ongoing stalemate, he urged the NC leaders to withdraw Paudel´s candidacy and pave way for national consensus.
Paudel is the sole prime ministerial candidate after Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal pulled out of the race following a three-point deal reached with the UML leaders three weeks ago.
UML lawmakers have staying neutral ever since the first round of voting saying the party wants to form a two-thirds majority government. Khanal had to back out from the prime ministerial race after his own party decided that its lawmakers would vote for him only if he garnered the support of two-thirds of lawmakers in the House.
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