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KP Sharma Oli, chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), is poised to become Nepal's Prime Minister once again following recent political developments. On Friday, Oli staked his claim to form a new majority government after incumbent Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' failed to secure a vote of confidence in Parliament.

Political background of KP Sharma Oli

Born in 1952, KP Sharma Oli began his political career in the 1960s and joined the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) in 1970. His early activism led to several arrests and a 14-year imprisonment, during which he played a significant role in the formation of the Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist-Leninist). Oli emerged as a key leader upon his release in 1987, contributing to the foundation of the CPN-UML in 1991.

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Over the years, Oli served in various capacities within the CPN-UML, including as a member of the House of Representatives from Jhapa-6. He held positions such as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs in the interim government of 2006-2007. In 2018, he assumed office as Nepal's 41st Prime Minister.

Challenges and criticisms

During his tenure, Oli faced challenges related to unmet promises and criticisms over centralizing power. His government's policies were scrutinized for their impact on governance and accountability, particularly with investigative agencies being brought under the Prime Minister’s Office.

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Following the 2022 elections, where no party secured a clear majority, political alliances shifted. Prachanda, backed by the Nepali Congress (NC), initially held the Prime Ministerial post but failed to sustain support. Subsequently, Oli garnered backing from 165 lawmakers, including his party and the NC, leading to his current bid for premiership.

Oli's impending return to power marks a new phase in Nepal's political landscape, characterized by frequent changes in government since the abolition of monarchy in 2008. His leadership is expected to navigate challenges such as economic reforms, stability, and maintaining political consensus in the Himalayan nation.