Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Nepal

More parties to join Nepali coalition gov't

KATHMANDU, Jun 06, 2009 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- The Tarai Madhes Democratic Party, the fifth largest party in the Constituent Assembly has decided to join the Communist Party Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML)- led government, The Himalayan Times reported on Sunday.

According to the daily earlier, the party had decided to support the formation of the coalition government.

The central working committee meeting of the party, held here Saturday, formally took the decision.

However, the party has not finalized the list of leaders to join the government. The party also formed a four-member panel to dwell on sharing power.

Speaking to the daily, joint general secretary Jitendra Sonal said the party had decided to join the government to raise the Madhes issues.

Sonal also said the party would stake claim on more than three portfolios in the cabinet. The CPN-UML has pledged two ministries for the party.

Sonal, however, made it clear that their main priorities were the peace process, constitution-drafting process and hosts of other issues of concern to Madhes, and not the allocation of ministries.

The Sadbhavana Party, meanwhile, has demanded two ministries for the party. Laxman Lal Karna, senior leader of the party, said the CPN-UML had proposed a ministry for the party. "Our president Rajendra Mahato will lead the party in the government," he added.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party has decided to join the new government Saturday. The CPN-UML has proposed a ministry for the party.

However, Rastriya Janashakti Party is still undecided about joining the government.

On the other hand, Chure Bhavar National Unity Party, is likely to join the government. "Some parties are urging me to join the government but I am focussed on our party's agenda rather than joining the cabinet," party president Keshav Mainali said, addressing a program on Saturday.