By TON Nepal
The unanticipated consequences of the federal and provincial elections endure in every part of the country, future power-sharing models are already being discussed in Kathmandu. The occurrence of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, a new political outfit formed only around six months ago by a popular television host, and the successes of new parties in the Tarai are set to drastically alter the configuration of the federal legislature.
The Complete election results are predictable by the next week yet it is now becoming clear that no single party is in a position to attain a clear majority. As parties begin discussing the possible shape and size of a new coalition government, at the heart of the talks will be the bargaining for the prime minister’s post. Nepali Congress General Secretary, who has been re-elected to parliament from Kathmandu-4, had long before the elections projected himself as future prime minister, and he renewed his claim on Tuesday during his victory speech.
Recently Nepali Congress General Secretary said while addressing a victory rally that he respects the sentiments of the people and my voters to become PM. Nepali Congress General Secretary won the election from Kathmandu-4 for the third time and this will be his fourth stint as a parliamentarian. Nepali Congress General Secretary’s claim for the top executive post will make the incumbent prime minister and party president painful. As per the Nepali Congress charter, only the elected leader of the parliamentary party gets to contest for prime minister.
However, Nepali Congress General Secretary who comes from d rival camp in the party has to first win the camp’s support. It is too early to predict who will be the party’s prime ministerial candidate. First of all, whether the current ruling alliance will remain intact is still uncertain. Second, will Congress get to lead the government again? Nepali Congress General Secretary will be a sound PM candidate in the event of the furtherance of the present coalition. However, all such forecasts are premature unless and until the final election results are out.
Nepali Congress General Secretary said he has already started discussions inside the party to shore up support for his prime ministerial bid. He has the backing of another general secretary, and youth leaders like has already secured a parliamentary berth. On Tuesday he in his Facebook post evening proposed Nepali Congress General Secretary as parliamentary party leader and prime minister. Although, some political observers say despite popular support and considerable backing, Nepali Congress General Secretary still faces daunting odds of be prime minister.
Nepali Congress which is contesting 91 first-past-the-post (FPTP) seats out of the total 165, is struggling to get the status of the single largest party from the CPN-UML. Nepal Congress, the leader of the ruling coalition, is yet to publicly speak on the complaints of coalition partners on the deficiency of relocation of Congress votes to their candidates. Although, the election results are far from complete, frustration with mainstream parties including the Nepali Congress is apparent, especially among young voters who voted for a new party.
The young voters want to see rapid national development. As that has not happened, they have expressed their anger through the ballot box. Some political observers believe joining the race for prime minister alongside party veterans is a good sign for Nepali Congress General Secretary. Assuming that Nepali Congress General Secretary has done his homework before announcing himself fit for the top executive post, However, he should launch a nationwide campaign to shore up support.
Nepali Congress General Secretary has two main obstacles to overcome one a strong challenge from within his party and second, keeping the ruling coalition intact. Now as the election results are starting the ruling coalition, which had earlier expected to win a majority, appears to be frightened. The fear was reflected in the party spokesman’s reaction. Those frustrated with the congress party voted for the Rastriya Swatantra Party in the constituencies where there were no Congress candidates. As the proportional representation votes were also diverted to the new party.