Kathmandu: In a significant political development, Narayan Prasad Dahal, a Member of Parliament representing the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center), has been elected as the Chairperson of the National Assembly. His victory came with a substantial mandate, as he secured 39 votes in favor, consolidating his position as the head of the upper house of the federal parliament.
The election, held on Tuesday, saw Dahal emerge victorious as the common candidate of the ruling alliance. His candidacy received widespread support from the top leaders of the ruling party, who urged MPs to rally behind him. This appeal evidently bore fruit, with Dahal clinching a decisive victory over his opponent.
Yubaraj Sharma, representing the opposition Nepali Congress, stood as the contender against Dahal. However, he garnered 17 votes, falling short in his bid for the prestigious position.
Urmila Aryal, the vice chairperson of the 59-member chamber, officially declared Dahal’s victory, extending her congratulations to him on behalf of the assembly. The election became imperative following the retirement of Ganesh Prasad Timilsina on March 3, after completing his six-year tenure, leaving the upper house headless.
The voting process witnessed the participation of 56 lawmakers, reflecting a significant turnout for the crucial election. Dahal’s ascendancy to the position of Chairperson comes at a pivotal moment in Nepal’s political landscape, marked by the formation of a new five-party coalition government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who also serves as the chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center).
The formation of the new coalition government, which took shape after the rupture of the alliance with the Nepali Congress on March 4, underscores the evolving dynamics within Nepal’s political sphere. With Narayan Prasad Dahal assuming the mantle of leadership in the National Assembly, expectations are high for him to steer the legislative body towards fulfilling its constitutional duties and contributing to the nation’s progress and development.