Oli's Fourth Innings

CPN-UML chairman KP Sharma Oli has become Prime Minister of Nepal for the fourth time. President Ramchandra Paudel appointed him to the highest executive post on Sunday as per Article 76 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. Oli, who was elected to a member of House of Representatives (HR) from Jhapa-5, has garnered the support of 166 lawmakers to stake a claim to the post. President Paudel also administered the oath of office and secrecy to him as the Prime Minister on Monday. Oli, 72, is back at the helm after his party decided to join hands with the Nepali Congress, the largest party in the parliament, by pulling out support to the Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda-led government. In addition to NC, other small political parties have also extended their backing to the new government, enabling it to command around two-thirds majority in the HR.