Political Turmoil: Nepal PM Prachanda Loses Confidence Vote

Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' lost a confidence vote in Parliament after the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) withdrew its support for his government. With 194 votes against and only 63 in favor, Prachanda fell short of the 138 votes needed to maintain his position.

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Friday lost a crucial vote of confidence in Parliament. The loss comes after the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) withdrew its support for his government.

Prachanda, aged 69, garnered only 63 votes in the 275-member House of Representatives, a stark contrast to the 194 votes against him. At least 138 votes were required to win the vote of trust.

This marks the fourth trust vote Prachanda has faced since taking office on December 25, 2022. The withdrawal of support by the CPN-UML, led by former prime minister K P Sharma Oli, follows a power-sharing agreement with the Nepali Congress, the largest party in the House. Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has endorsed Oli as the next prime minister. With 167 combined seats, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML surpass the 138 votes needed for a majority in the lower house.