KATHMANDU: With the Nepal-Khanal faction’s decision to not resign immediately, there is no possibility for the formation of a majority government for the time being.

A special session of the House of Representatives (HoR) has been called for today for Prime Minister Oli to take a vote of confidence. Prime Minister Oli requires 136 votes to retain his position.

Prime Minister Oli-led CPN-UML has 121 votes. Lawmakers of Nepal-Khanal faction (21) have decided to abstain from the parliament meeting.

Nepali Congress (61) and CPN (Maoist Center) (49) have decided to vote against Prime Minister Oli.

Similarly, Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) which has 32 lawmakers has decided to allow its lawmakers to use their discretion in today’s parliament meeting.

The Thakur-Mahato faction of the JSP has decided to remain neutral while the Yadav-Bhattarai faction has decided to vote against the vote of confidence for Oli.

Based on this calculation, Oli is likely to lose the vote of confidence in the parliament meeting today.

When the no party claims the formation of a new government with majority, the new government will be formed in line with Article 76 (3) of the Constitution.

As per this Article, when two or more than two parties cannot form a new government, or the Prime Minister fails to garner the vote of confidence, the President will appoint the parliamentary Party leader of the biggest party in the parliament as the Prime Minister.

The Prime Mininister elected through this provision has to take the vote of confidence in the next 30 days of the appointment.