According to parliament secretariat sources, Nembang told top leaders of the major political parties that they should reach a political consensus on the prime ministerial candidate by January 9, the first day of parliament´s winter session; otherwise he would hold a vote on January 12. [break]
“Yes, I am holding talks with top leaders on the House session and the deadlock over the prime ministerial election,” Nembang told Republica.
Nembang held separate meetings with Nepali Congress (NC) President Sushil Koirala and UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal on Wednesday and told them that the parties have had enough time to reach a consensus and they should be prepared for a vote.
“All eyes are now on parliament and the prime ministerial election. You have to reach consensus by January 9; otherwise I will hold a vote on January 12,” a parliament secretariat official quoted Nembang as telling Khanal and Koirala.
On Tuesday, Nembang also held separate meetings with Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and NC parliamentary party leader Ram Chandra Paudel and told them about his decision to hold a meeting on January 12.
“The voting will either elect lone candidate Paudel as prime minister or scrap his candidacy by a majority vote,” said the source. It may be recalled that the UML Central Committee (CC) has already decided to vote against Paudel´s candidacy if the latter doesn´t withdraw his candidacy. But there is still dispute whether Paudel´s candidacy would remain intact even if a majority vote is cast against him.
Parliament has so far failed to elect a new prime minister despite holding 16 rounds of voting. While the Maoists and the UML establishment faction are for beginning the election process afresh, the NC is for electing Paudel prime minister.
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