Nepal’s newly appointed prime minister, Khadga Prasad Oli, received overwhelming support in parliament on Sunday, with more than two-thirds of members voting in his favor. Oli, representing the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), garnered support from his main coalition partner Nepali Congress and several smaller parties. During the vote of confidence motion in the House of Representatives, 188 out of 275 members voted in favor of Oli, as announced by Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire.
Following the announcement, supporting members applauded and congratulated Oli by lining up to shake hands with him. Oli assumed the role of prime minister last week after the previous coalition government collapsed when his party withdrew support earlier this month. The next election in Nepal is scheduled for 2027, with Oli now serving as prime minister for the fourth time.
One of Oli’s significant challenges will be managing Nepal’s relationships with neighboring giants India and China, both vying for influence over the landlocked nation. Surrounded by India on three sides, Nepal relies on its neighbor for oil and essential supplies, while also sharing a border with China.
Born in a village in east Nepal, Oli has been actively involved in politics since a young age. He climbed the ranks of the communist party, enduring a total of 14 years in jail for opposing the autocratic rule of Nepal’s monarchs. Political parties were banned by the royals until 1990, when street protests led King Birendra to hold free elections, transitioning Nepal into a constitutional monarchy that was formally abolished in 2008.
Oli, aged 72, has undergone two kidney transplants, showcasing his resilience and commitment to public service. As he embarks on his latest term as prime minister, Oli faces the complex task of navigating Nepal’s geopolitical landscape while striving to address the needs and aspirations of its citizens.
