Nepal's Largest Communist Party Leader Named Prime Minister

KATHMANDU, Nepal - Nepal's largest communist party, led by Khadga Prasad Oli, has announced Oli as the new Prime Minister of the Himalayan nation following the collapse of the previous coalition government. The president's office issued a statement confirming Oli's appointment, and he is set to take the oath of office on Monday.

Oli, a veteran politician and three-time prime minister, will lead a coalition government comprising his Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) and the Nepali Congress party, which are the two largest parties in Nepal. The previous government, headed by Pushpa Kamal Dahal, fell apart on Friday after Oli's party withdrew its support to join the new alliance.

According to the statement, Oli will be required to seek a vote of confidence in parliament within a month to continue in office. However, the new alliance formed by Oli's party and the Nepali Congress party holds a majority of seats in parliament, which will likely secure his position as prime minister.

Oli's main challenge as prime minister will be to strike a delicate balance in Nepal's relationship with its giant neighbors, India and China. Landlocked Nepal heavily relies on India for oil and most supplies, as it is surrounded by India on three sides. Additionally, it shares a border with China, making it vulnerable to both countries' attempts to influence Nepal's affairs.

Born in a village in eastern Nepal, 72-year-old Oli has been actively involved in politics since his youth. He has faced health issues, regularly traveling abroad for kidney treatment and undergoing kidney transplant surgeries.

Oli's appointment as prime minister brings expectations of stability and continuity to Nepal's government. With his past experience and a majority coalition government behind him, Oli will be tasked with navigating the complex dynamics of international relations while promoting the development and progress of the Himalayan nation.