Kathmandu, December 26
Two chairpersons of the ruling Nepal Communist Party are divided about the party’s candidate for the speaker’s position and the difference is likely to delay the election of the top official in House of Representatives.
As per the party’s instruction, Deputy Speaker Shiva Maya Tumbahamphe had adjourned the House meeting for this Friday from last week, and it was expected that the meeting would begin the election procedure. However, thanks to the difference between Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and NCP’s executive chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the process is being deferred.
Dahal wants Oli to endorse his nomination for the candidate. He argues that former speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara also represented the former Maoist party, hence the same side should be given the position. Oli, on the other hand, is pushing for former speaker Subas Chandra Nembang’s reelection claiming Nembang is the only lawmaker who can tactfully face challenges of the parliamentary procedure in the coming days.
Dahal is likely to pick Agni Sapkota if he is given a chance though he has not pronounced any name in the discussion so far.
Meanwhile, the party is holding its secretariat meeting on Friday. Other leaders of the party have put pressure on the two chairs to forge an agreement before the meeting.
