KATHMANDU: Deputy Speaker Dr. Shivamaya Tumbahamphe has finally agreed to resign.

Tumbahamphe, who had staked claim to the post of Speaker, is stepping down as per the decision of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP). The party has been asking for her resignation as Speaker and Deputy Speaker should be from different parties as per the constitutional provision.

It is reported the Deputy Speaker will resign before the meeting of House of Representatives slated at 1 pm today.

Press Advisor to Deputy Speaker Tumbahamphe, Shekhar Adhikari, said she will be putting in papers today.

“She is ready to quit,” Adhikari told Khabarhub, “Most probably, she will resign before the Parliament meeting.”

The meeting of House of Representatives slated for today will start the process for the election of a new Speaker.

The post is vacant since October 1, 2019, after the then Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara stepped down.

The election process is starting after NCP on Sunday decided to pick its party leader Agni Sapkota as the candidate for Speaker. It is almost confirmed that Sapkota will be elected Speaker as NCP holds a majority in House of Representatives.

Mahanta Thakur will be chairing today’s meeting as he is the senior-most member following resignation by Deputy Speaker Tumbahamphe.