Nepal Chief Ministers Face Confidence Votes Amid Coalition Tensions

Nepal's provincial governments are facing a test of stability as Chief Ministers Mangal Bahadur Shahi of Karnali and Khagaraj Bhatta of Sudurpaschim prepare for confidence votes. Both leaders, appointed just weeks ago, are navigating internal coalition disputes that have stalled cabinet formation and threaten their leadership.

In Karnali, Chief Minister Shahi, appointed 22 days ago, faces a floor test with his Nepali Communist Party (NCP) coalition partners, including the CPN-UML. Despite holding a majority of 24 seats in the 40-member assembly, disagreements over cabinet expansion and portfolio allocation have left Shahi leading a government with no ministers. The coalition partners have failed to reach an agreement, leaving the Chief Minister as the sole member of his cabinet even after three weeks in office.

Similarly, in Sudurpaschim, Chief Minister Bhatta, appointed five days prior, is also seeking a vote of confidence. His coalition, comprising the NCP and CPN-UML, holds 31 seats in the 53-member assembly. However, internal divisions within the NCP, particularly among former members of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), have created uncertainty. Six former NUP lawmakers are reportedly divided and have skipped recent party meetings, potentially jeopardizing Bhatta's majority. The assembly's required majority has also shifted due to recent seat vacancies, now standing at 26 votes.

Chief Minister Bhatta intends to finalize cabinet appointments after securing the confidence vote. Currently, only three ministers and one state minister, all from the UML, have been appointed. The internal competition and the potential withdrawal of support from key coalition members highlight the fragile political landscape in Nepal's provinces.