Nepal Prime Minister Dahal Ousted After Failing Confidence Vote

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was ousted from office after failing to secure a majority vote in a confidence motion. Dahal, in office for 18 months, received 63 votes against the required 138. His ouster paves the way for a new government led by UML's KP Sharma Oli.

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was ousted from his position on Friday after failing to secure a vote of confidence during a tense floor test in the House of Representatives, the Kathmandu Post reported. Dahal, who had held office for over a year and six months, needed 138 votes to pass the trust motion but garnered only 63.

Out of the 275-member House of Representatives, 194 lawmakers voted against him, and one member abstained, while 258 were present. The vote follows the CPN-UML's withdrawal of support from Dahal's government, forming a new coalition with the Nepali Congress, thus reducing Dahal's administration to a minority. Dahal highlighted the significance of the constitution during the session, underscoring its foundation on a decade-long revolt and various movements representing oppressed sectors.

Despite Dahal's fervent defense of the constitution, this setback marks his fifth floor test since taking office on December 25, 2022. Following his ouster, Speaker Devraj Ghimire will inform President Ramchandra Paudel, who will call for a new government formation. According to an agreement between UML and the Nepali Congress, UML's KP Sharma Oli is set to lead the new administration, followed by Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba.