Madhes-based parties, who have been opposing the new constitution, have announced they would participate in the prime minister election. But parties said they would wait till Sunday morning before deciding on their choice of candidate.

On a day marked by a high political drama, Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala and CPN-UML Chairman KP Oli on Saturday registered candidacy in the race for the hot seat.

Senior Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum Nepal (SSFN) leader Ashok Rai said his party will meet on Sunday morning and decide whom to vote after analysing the ground situation.“We will analyse the situation tonight and decide our position. Naturally, we will vote for the candidate who supports the agendas of excluded and marginalised communities, including Madhesis, Tharus and Janajatis,” said Rai. The SSFN has 15 seats in Parliament.

Leaders of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) have hinted at supporting Koirala, claiming that he is “sympathetic to agendas of Madhesi and Tharu communities”.

“Koirala has been saying that Oli’s adamant position is creating problems in addressing concerns of disgruntled groups. But he hasn’t shown anything in action,” said Rai.

Informing SLMM leaders about his candidacy, Koirala and his aides have sought support of top Morcha leaders in the election. “Prime Minister Koirala has requested to vote for him in the election. Discussions are on,” said Mahanta Thakur, chairman of the Tarai Madhesh Loktantrik Party that holds 11 seats in Parliament.

NC leaders have also reached out to Sanghiya Loktantrik Morcha (SLM) Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar, requesting him to support Koirala. Though Oli has also asked the SLM to support him, he has not made any request to SLMM leaders. “Our support will go to the candidate who supports our agendas. We are holding discussions with both the candidates,” said Ram Janam Chaudhary, general secretary of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum Loktantrik which has 14 seats in Parliament.

The Rajendra Mahato-led Sadbhawana Party is also set to take part in the election. Five lawmakers of the party had submitted their resignations but they have not been approved. “No decision has been taken so far. We will go along with party’s decision,” said Sadbhawana Co-chair Laxman Lal Karna, whose party has six seats in the House.

Similarly, most of the Madhes-based fringe parties, including the Sharad Singh Bhandari-led Rastriya Madhesh Samajwadi Party, Tharuhat Tarai party, Raj Kishore Yadav-led Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Ganatantrik, Madhes Samata Party and Sanghiya Loktantrik Manch are undecided over the support.