Kathmandu, Nepal, January 23, 2022: The Nepali Congress (NC), the main opposition and largest party in Parliament, has decided to file its candidacy to the post of president.
An office bearer meeting of the Nepali Congress held at party President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s Dhumbarahi based residence decided to run for the presidency with the support of all parties represent in the parliament.
The decision of the Nepali Congress has come at the time when the ruling alliance, particularly CPN UML and the Maoist Center, have divided over the issue of presidential candidate.
The relations between the UML and the Maoist Center has turned sour after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is also the chairman of the CPN Maoist Center, said that he would mention national unity by taking into confidence the Nepali Congress while electing in the post of president.
As the party gave vote of confidence to the Prime Minister Dahal on January 10, the Nepali Congress has expectation that the Maoist Center would vote in favor of the candidate of the Nepali Congress.
The strategic decision of the Nepali Congress to vote in favor of Dahal was solely intended to break the ruling UML-Maoist alliance that would possible if the latter supports for Congress’ bid for presidency.
Nepali Congress has staked claim in the post of president in the capacity of largest party in the parliament and will seek the support of all the political parties represent in the parliament including the Maoist Centre, Spokesperson Mahat said.
The UML has also been claiming the post of president referring to the so-called power sharing deal with the Maoist Center. Prime Minister Dahal’s proposal to have a neutral candidate having support of all major parties including the Nepali Congress was not accepted by the UML.
With the decision to run for the presidency, the Nepali Congress has also demanded early election of president and vice president. Te meeting also decided to urge the government and the Election Commission to ensure the timely election of the President.
