Prez gives parties seven days to form government

KATHMANDU: President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has invited political parties to make a claim for government formation within seven days.

“As no party has secured majority as per Article 76 (1) of the constitution, the President has invited members of the House of Representatives, who can secure the required majority with the support of two or more political parties, to make their claim within seven days,” the statement reads.

The President’s notice means parties have until 5 pm next Sunday to make their claims for government formation.

Though the five-party ruling coalition can secure a majority by onboarding CK Raut-led Janamat Party, the parties, especially Nepali Congress and CPN (Unified Socialist), are divided over who will lead the government. Both NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal are staking claim to the PM post.