Koirala all set to become sixth PM after first CA election

KATHMANDU, FEB 10 -
Nepali Congress President Sushil Koirala is all set to lead the new government following the Prime Minister election on Monday.

Koirala had filed his nomination papers for the post of prime minister on Sunday, after the CPN-UML, the second largest party in parliament, decided to extend support to a government led by him.

The 74-year-old Koirala, who is considered "Mr. Clean" in Nepali politics, has never held any public office.

If Sushil Koirala becomes the prime minister, he will be the fourth from his family after Matrika Prasad Koirala (1951-52 and 1953-55), Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala (1959-60) and Girija Prasad Koirala (1991-94, 1998-99, 2000-01 and 2007-08).

After filing his nomination papers on Sunday, Koirala said he was hopeful of delivering a new constitution within a year.

"Responsibility to draft a democratic constitution has shifted to the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. We are hopeful that we will deliver a new constitution within a year. I will definitely work with the other parties to fulfill this historic responsibility," he said.

He said there was a "strong desire" within the country and outside for peace by delivering a new constitution.

"It is my commitment that we will able to come up with such a draft by six months and will promulgate a new constitution by a year," Koirala told media persons at the assembly building.

"I have also spoken with Maoist chairman Prachanda for his support, to which his reply has been positive," he said.

The last Constituent Assembly was formed in 2008 with an objective to draft a new constitution within two years. It, however, failed to deliver even after repeated extensions of its tenure and was dissolved in 2012.

IANS

Labels: Highlight, News