Renowned for his populist rhetoric, K.P. Sharma Oli, the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal - United Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), is embarking on his fourth term as prime minister, leading a cabinet of 21 members from a coalition of four political parties. Positioned between the two major regional powers of Asia, India and China, Oli faces a challenging task in navigating the diplomatic relations with his neighboring countries. Similarly, he is confronted with a complex situation in managing the Nepali Congress, his competitive party and coalition partner, which presents a daunting and intricate situation. His initial visible challenge is to establish trust with India, particularly its southern neighbor, and with the Nepali Congress, his new ally and longstanding rival. Regardless of political claims, the countdown to the start of this government has already begun, as all previous governments in Nepal have.
By Keshab Poudel Jul 21, 2024
Nepal has had three governments in just 16 months, although Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda remains in power. In his recent reshuffle, PM Prachanda appointed 21 ministers from four political parties, including CPN-UML, Rastriya Swatantra Party, Janta Samajbadi Party, and CPN-US, while removing Nepali Congress. As no political party has a majority, it is likely that there will be more coalitions in the future. Maoist leader Prachanda believes that the Nepali Congress leaders' non-committal attitude towards the Maoist-Center is a key factor behind the current political developments, including the changing coalition. However, Nepal's politics over the past five decades has shown a fading ideology. There is no clear divide between left and right when it comes to sharing power, which remains a factor of instability, besides the geo-strategic position.
By Keshab Poudel Mar 12, 2024
Despite leading a shaky coalition, Maoist Center leader and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda boasted of a successful year. He formed a short-lived coalition with the CPN-UML, the RPP, and the Swatantra Party before switching to the Nepali Congress. With Nepal's two largest political parties, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, bitterly divided, Prachanda's future looks uncertain. How he will make strategic decisions in his second term remains to be seen.
By A Correspondent Dec 29, 2023
The forthcoming attendance of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda at the United Nations General Assembly and the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, followed by his visit to China, carries immense diplomatic significance for Nepal
By A Correspondent Sep 07, 2023