Nepal started witnessing major political shifts ahead of the country’s most-awaited provincial and federal elections scheduled for November 26, 2017 and December 7, 2017.

In a major move, the leftist and democratic parties started forming broader alliances bringing in a sudden shift in the Nepali political landscape.

While the two leftist parties CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) and Babu Ram Bhattarai-led Naya Shakti Party-Nepal announced a broader alliance yesterday, immediately a day after, the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) today decided to form another alliance of democratic forces.

In a meeting convened by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and the NC President, NC decided to form a seven-member team as a stronger democratic alliance.

“The parties have reached a consensus on forming an electoral alliance among the democratic and federal forces,” said NC leader Bimalendra Nidhi.

Democratic Vs Leftist

This move by the ruling party is coming after the NC Working Committee concluded the formation of democratic alliance as the only alternative to counter the leftist forces. 

The leftist alliance has also formed a six-point agreement to form a drafting committee to prepare the policy and finish the merger post the elections. 

“Nepali people have aspired for this unity and this unity is the need of the country. We have begun a journey of unification,” said Oli while informing that the new alliance is aiming for two-thirds majority in the upcoming polls.

Meanwhile, in a statement, PM Deuba informed that the government is committed to holding elections as scheduled despite the threats being posed by the left alliance.

The top leaders hailed the ongoing mergers and hoped the new political shifts would could unify other leftist and democratic forces to advocate for a country’s development.

Entrepreneurs Welcome Mergers

Entrepreneurs of the Chitwan region welcomed the merger of leftist parties to form a leftist alliance and called for the alliance of rightist parties.

They hoped such alliances would pave the way for stable government in the country.

 “The recent agreement among the three parties to forge electoral alliance for the upcoming provincial and parliamentary elections would definitely pave the way for a stable government. However, vested interests should not act to bring splits,” says Rajan Gautam, Chair, Chitwan chapter of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

We can attract investments in the industrial sector if there is a majority government, he adds.

Meanwhile, Chair of Ratnanagar chapter of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Rajaram Regmi said the unification has opened opportunities for the entrepreneurs who were tired of offering political donations. “I hope this alliance helps create investment-friendly atmosphere,” Regmi added.

The post Nepal Elections 2017: New Alliances Mark Major Shifts in Nepali Politics appeared first on Nepali Sansar.