Nearly two weeks after the promulgation of the new constitution, President Ram Baran Yadav on Friday asked the political parties to form a consensus government within a week.

His move follows the Cabinet recommendation to initiate the process for new government formation. Immediately after his address to Parliament, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala had reached Sheetal Niwas to recommend President Yadav to make a call for installing a new Cabinet. According to Article 298 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal, the PM’s election is held within seven days of commencement of the parliamentary session based on consensus and the new council of minister is formed under him/her. If there is no consensus, the process for majority government will begin as per Clause 3 of the Article. The constitution endorsed by an overwhelming majority of the Constituent Assembly was promulgated on September 20.

In his much-awaited address to the first meeting of Parliament after dissolution of the CA, PM Koirala said he would stick to his pledge to step down from his office and make way for a new PM according to his public commitment. “I took the responsibility to contribute to the promulgation of new constitution from the CA,” Koirala said in his address. “As per my public commitment, I am recommending that the President call for the election of the new prime minister.” He, however, did not announce his resignation as many had expected.

Much of his 20-minute speech was devoted to highlighting the features of the new constitution and appealing to the disgruntled parties to resolve the issues through dialogue. Hailing the new constitution as exemplary in terms of its content and process of adoption, he said the charter had addressed a majority of concerns of the Madhesi parties.

He also said the major parties had acknowledged the demands of the regional parties for proportional inclusive representation in all the state agencies and delimitation of electoral constituencies based on the population and that they were ready to

address them.

“Friends from some political parties remained out of the constitution drafting process in the final phase despite actively participating in it for a long time. I would like to appeal to them to resolve the dispute through talks,” said the PM.

He asked all to come together to lead the country to a modern, scientific era. “The identity of a democratic federal republic will help us strengthen our relations with our neighbours India, China and others,” Koirala said. “I also laud their support to the new constitution drafted by the historic CA.” He also thanked all parties, government officials, civil society and media for their support to new statute promulgation.

After the House session, leaders from various parties claimed that the new government would be formed in consensus within a week with the historic responsibility of implementing the new national charter. Taking to media, former prime minister Jhala Nath Khanal said the new government would be led by UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli. He added that the inter-party discussion on government formation would start on Saturday.

Forest Minister Mahesh Acharya, who is a close aide to the PM, said Koirala had cleared the way for a new government and the major parties will decide its leadership after discussion. The House will meet on Sunday.