Khanal out of race unless parties reverse their decision

Update X @ 1435 NST, 0850 GMT

KATHMANDU, July 21: CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal is unlikely to remain in the contest for the election to the prime minister after failing to get support of the two thirds of 599 members of parliament, our correspondents reported.

With the four Madhesi parties which command 82 seats between them staying out of the race and Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Rastriya Janashakti Party (with 11 members between them) deciding to vote for Nepali Congress’ Ram Chandra Poudel, Khanal’s candidacy is over unless the parties, that have decided to boycott the election or vote against him, change their stance.

Khanal, meanwhile, has gone to meet the Madhesi leaders to seek their support, our correspondent Kiran Chapagain reported.

As per the UML decision on Tuesday, Khanal has to get written pledge of support from the 401 members. With 114 members of NC and 10 others from seven small parties, Khanal is left with 382 members, provided all other parties support him.

To queer the pitch for the UML chief, CPN (ML) said it would take back its support to Khanal if he could not muster 401 votes.

He has bagged the support pledge from the largest party in the parliament – UCPN (Maoist) with 237 members and CPN (Unified) with two members. The UML members number 109.

The prime minister’s election procedure was to begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday but the deadline has been missed since the parties are still holding discussions.

Earlier, seven small parties including Sadhabhawana Party (Anandadevi), Chure Bhawar, Swatantra Pariwar Dal, Dalit Janajati Party and Sanghiya Loktantrik Manch, among others, decided not to take part in the prime minister’s election.

Rastriya Janashakti Party (RJP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) have decided to support NC’s Poudel in the prime minister’s election on Wednesday, RJP co-chairman Dr Prakash Chandra Lohani said.

Meanwhile, Nepali Congress (NC) chip whip Laxman Ghimire made it clear that his party would not pull back its candidacy. He asked CPN UML to honor the existing alliance with NC.

UML leader KP Sharma Oli said that they were busy in parleys to seek majority in the parliament. "We would lead the government if we are able to garner 401 votes," Sharma told reporters in front of Constituent Assembly building.

Earlier, a meeting of parliamentary Business Advisory Committee (BAC) decided to hold a run-off election on Friday at 1 p.m. if Wednesday’s election is inconclusive, BAC member Yam Lal Kandel said, our correspondent Thira L Bhusal reported.

Unified CPN (Maoist) has decided to support Khanal in the prime ministerial election, if the latter garners a two-thirds majority in the parliament, our correspondent Post B Basnet reported.

UML leader Yogesh Bhattarai received a letter assuring Maoists’ support to UML. Speaking with reporters, Bhattarai said that UML would be able to receive two-thirds majority in the parliament.

Published on 2010-07-21 10:42:03

Source: http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=21274