By IRNA,
New Delhi, Oct 6, IRNA – Nepal Parliamentarians on Wednesday failed again to elect a Prime Minister.
For the 10th time in a row, Parliament failed to elect a Prime Minister rejecting Nepali Congress (NC) leader Ram Chandra Poudyal, the sole candidate for the post, and is set to meet tomorrow for another run-off which may again prove futile amid a boycott by Maoists and CPN-UML.
The 65-year-old Poudyal secured 109 votes, far below the magic figure of 301, in the 601-member Constituent Assembly, pti reported.
Only 156 lawmakers were present for the election, out of which one MP voted against him while 46 remained neutral.
It was certain from the beginning today that Poudyal would lose as both UCPN-Maoists and CPN-UML, with a combined strength of 347, in the House staying away from the entire election process.
The 11th round of voting is scheduled for 3.00 pm local time on Thursday.
Poudel was left alone in the race to the post of prime minister after his rival, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, withdrew his candidacy before the eighth round following a three-point pact with CPN-UML.
As per the paliamentary regulations, the elections should continue till it comes to an end with a candidate securing a simple majority of (301) votes in the 601-member parliament.