Nepal’s was the only nomination for the top post. Nepali Congress leader Girija Prasad Koirala proposed his name. CPN-UML Chairman Jhala Nath Khanal seconded. So did Madhesi Janadhikar Forum’s Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar, Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party chairman Mahantha Thakur, and Sadbhawana Party chairman Rajendra Mahato amongst others. In all 21 of the 24 parties represented in parliament backed Madhav Nepal for the post of country’s chief executive.

The election was necessitated by the resignation of Maoist Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on May 4 after he failed to have his way to sack the army chief Rookmangud Katawal, with whom he had differences.

Madhav Kumar Nepal is the third Communist Prime Minister of the country after late Manmohan Adhikari and Pushpa Kamal Dahal.  He will finalise his cabinet after consultations with allies.  Nepali Congress, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party, and Sadbhawana Party are set to join the government. A few more parties may also join.

The Maoists, who make 238 seats in the 601-member parliament, have firmly ruled out any support to the Madhav government. “As an opposition party, we will however play strong role in writing the new constitution and brining the peace process to a conclusion,” Deputy parliamentary leader of the Maoists, Narayankaji Shrestha, said.

He stated that they had decided not to take part in the process of government formation as the government without restoring civilian supremacy would be a puppet of the army or foreigners.