Nepal’s Political Changes: Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli Returns as Prime Minister

On Sunday, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli reclaimed his position as Nepal’s Prime Minister after the collapse of the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led coalition. Oli, a leader of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist, is set to take his oath on Monday following his appointment by President Poudel.

Initially elected as Prime Minister in 2015, Oli was reelected in 2018 and had a brief reappointment in 2021, navigating through Nepal’s often tumultuous parliamentary landscape.

His predecessor, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known for his nom de guerre “Prachanda,” lost a vote of confidence on Friday, just 18 months into his term. Dahal, a former Maoist guerrilla leader, found himself stepping down after Oli’s party withdrew their support.

Oli then formed an alliance with Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress. He has assured that he will hand over the position to Deuba, a seasoned five-time Prime Minister, later during the parliamentary term.

Nepal transitioned to a federal republic in 2008 after a decade-long civil war culminated in a peace agreement that integrated the Maoists into the government and abolished the monarchy. Since this transition, the nation has witnessed a sequence of elderly prime ministers and persistent political bargaining, contributing to public frustration over the government’s disconnect with Nepal’s urgent challenges.

With the next general elections scheduled for 2027, Nepal’s political scene remains dynamic. In a country of approximately 30 million people, situated between the giants India and China, Oli has maintained a delicate equilibrium, fostering positive ties with both while reaching out to Beijing to reduce Nepal’s dependence on New Delhi.

The nation’s economy has struggled in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, which severely impacted the critical tourism sector and reduced remittances from the vast number of Nepalis working overseas.