National Assembly Chair election today

KATHMANDU: Today marks the eagerly anticipated election for the Chair of the National Assembly (NA), with two prominent candidates vying for the position.

Narayan Dahal, representing the Maoist Center, and Yuvraj Sharma from the Nepali Congress, officially registered their candidacies on Monday, setting the stage for a competitive race.

Dahal garners support from the CPN-UML, the largest party in the ruling coalition, as well as backing from the Janata Samajwadi Party and the Unified Socialist Party, totaling 39 MPs in alliance.

With a minimum requirement of 29 votes to secure the Chairmanship, Dahal's chances of success seem promising.

Initially, the Nepali Congress had nominated Krishna Sitaula for the post. However, shifts in the political landscape prompted the nomination of Yuvraj Sharma to adapt to the changing dynamics within the coalition.

Meanwhile, the Maoist Center, originally considering Urmila Aryal or newly elected member Jhakku Subedi for the position, underwent significant strategic adjustments.

A rupture in the Maoist Center alliance ensued due to the Nepali Congress's insistence on the Chair's role, ultimately leading to their merger with the CPN-UML.

In a calculated move, Maoist Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ put forward his cousin, Narayan Dahal, as the candidate after securing the Speaker position for his party through an agreement with the UML.

The Federal Parliament Secretariat unveiled the final list of candidates on Monday, setting the stage for a pivotal and closely watched election.