Election of Prime Minister in Nepal

Why in the News?

Recently, Shri K. P. Sharma Oli was sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister for the fourth time to lead a new coalition government. 

More about the News

• Since the monarchy's abolition in 2008, Nepal has experienced 14 governments, highlighting its instability.
• Unlike Quasi-Federal republic of India, Nepal's 2015 constitution established it as a federal democratic republic. However, Constitution of both the countries have many similar features. 

Constitutional Similarities Between India and Nepal

• Secular State: Both protect religious freedom. 
• Fundamental Rights: Comprehensive fundamental rights, including socio-economic rights to the Citizens. 
• Bicameral Parliament: The executive branch is accountable to the legislature.
• Head of the Government: The President is the ceremonial head, while the Prime Minister is the real head of government. 
• Affirmative Action: Includes provisions for marginalized groups to promote inclusivity.
• Other Features: Every adult citizen has the right to vote, multi-party-political system, constitutional supremacy and an independent judiciary, with the Supreme Court as the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution. 

Reasons for Political instability in Nepal

• Multiparty system: Many parties representing different ethnic, regional, and ideological interests, make it hard for any single party to secure a majority, leading to fragile coalition governments.
• Mixed electoral system: Unlike India which follows first past the post system (FPPS) for election of Members of House of representative, Nepal follows both of first past the post system and proportional representation (PR).
  • PR not only ensures broader representation and inclusivity, but it also contributes to the proliferation of smaller parties which may hold significant sway in coalition governments, leading to instability. 
  • Sometimes, it becomes more complicated when the size of the Council of Ministers is fixed.