Nepal's Midnight Power-Sharing Deal: Political Drama Unfolds

In a late-night development, Nepal's two largest political parties, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, reached a power-sharing agreement to form a new government, replacing Prime Minister Prachanda's coalition. The deal includes rotating prime ministerial roles and aims for constitutional amendments and ministerial divisions. Prachanda, however, refuses to step down without a confidence vote.

In a dramatic twist, Nepal's two largest parties have struck a midnight power-sharing deal, aimed at forming a new government and replacing the coalition led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as 'Prachanda'. Undeterred, Prachanda has chosen to face a confidence vote rather than resign.

The agreement was finalized between Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML Chairman K P Sharma Oli and outlines key aspects such as ministerial divisions, provincial leadership roles, and a rotational prime ministerial position. Ex-Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud confirmed the arrangement, which promises constitutional amendments and ministerial realignment.

Despite the new coalition's majority in the House of Representatives, Prachanda is resolute in his stance to not step down, amid accusations that the new alliance aims to protect corrupt leaders rather than uphold the Constitution. The ensuing political landscape in Nepal remains tense and uncertain, as the deal unfolds.