KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML is poised to stake its claim on the formation of a new government in Karnali Province on Thursday.

Yam Lam Kandel, the parliamentary party leader of UML in Karnali Province, is reportedly gearing up to assert his claim for the position of Chief Minister.

After the resignation of Chief Minister Raj Kumar Sharma, Province Chief Tilak Pariyar has called upon political parties in the region to stake their claims for the position in accordance with Article 168 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal on Wednesday.

As per the constitutional provision, in cases where no party holds a clear majority in the Provincial Assembly, the Province Chief appoints as the Chief Minister a member of the Provincial Assembly who can command a majority with the support of two or more parties representing the Assembly.

UML leader Kandel is ready to stake his claim for the post of Chief Minister of Karnali Province, backed by the CPN (Maoist Center).