Nepal staring at political crisis; Parliament dissolved, election to be held in April-May 2021

A massive political crisis has hit Nepal with the cabinet’s recommendation for dissolving parliament being approved by the President Bidya Devi Bhandari. Based on the recommendation of the council of ministers, she has also announced the scheduling of the national election between April 30 and May 10 next year. Seven ministers of Oli led Cabinet have tendered their resignation following Oli’srecommendation to dissolve the Parliament. Sources indicate that the parliament is dissolved following the tussle between warring factions within the ruling Nepalese Communist Party.

Meanwhile, ruling Nepal Communist Party spokesperson Narayankaji Shrestha said that the decision has been made in haste as all the ministers were not present in the cabinet meeting this morning. Shrestha said, “This is against the democratic norms and would take the nation backwards. It can’t be implemented.” The main opposition party, Nepali Congress had also called for an immediate meeting after the Parliament was dissolved.

There were popular protests against the ruling party and the government due to their policy failures. China had been trying to ‘debt-trap’ Nepal, while the government fell easily to the trap. Recently there were demonstrations in the state capital Kathmandu asking for restoring the Hindu monarchy. Constant Chinese intrusion into the Nepali territory and the government’s hesitation to be tough on China has irked people.

Nepali Constitution doesn’t have a provision for parliament dissolution and therefore the move can be challenged in the court.