Nepal’s Oli may soon pass on power to partner

Subject

Tensions between the co-chairs of Nepal's ruling party.

Significance

In recent weeks, tensions have grown between the Nepal Communist Party (NCP)’s co-chairs, Prime Minister KP Oli and PK Dahal (‘Prachanda’). Ahead of the NCP’s formation early last year through a merger of the two leaders’ erstwhile parties, Oli and Prachanda reportedly agreed to lead the government for equal periods. As Oli comes under pressure to ensure he complies, former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, who wields strong influence within Oli’s faction in the NCP, has spoken out against the incumbent.

Impacts

• Oli and Prachanda will in the short term probably put on a show of solidarity, aiming to dispel any notion of governing instability.
• The main opposition Nepali Congress may try to form closer links with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, hoping for its tacit support.
• If Prachanda takes power, he may face calls to take a harder line on former comrades within the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).