NC, UML haggle over plum posts
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KATHMANDU, MAR 18 - As time runs out, the two key ruling parties—Nepali Congress and CPN (UML)—engage in bargaining for key posts and issues. Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting at the prime minister’s residence to share the spoils of power ended without a single decision.
The contentious issues are: Appointing a new Governor for the Central Bank, adopting Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and picking chiefs and members for constitutional bodies.
According to an NC leader, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal assured he would try his best to sort out the issues in Thursday’s Cabinet.
Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala’s proposal to award the MRP supply contract to India found the Cabinet sharply divided. Some UML ministers demanded Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) governor in return for endorsing Koirala’s proposal.
The NC, on the other hand, bargained for National Planning Commission Vice Chairman in return for granting UML’s claim to NRB governor. A source says it is likely that at least the MRP issue and that of NRB governor will be settled on Thursday.
After NC demanded equal share on key postings, a decisions on MRP supply was put off for Thursday’s Cabinet.
“NC is seeking a package deal on key appointments and is bargaining with the prime minister,” said one UML minister.
“NC ministers rejected Yub Raj Khatiwada as NRB governor and said they wanted a package deal that included other key postings,” the minister said. Khatiwada, Bir Bikram Rayamaji and Rameshwor Khanal have been proposed for the governor’s post.
“We are holding talks with the prime minister and no decision has been taken in this regard,” NC leader Ram Saran Mahat said.
The NC is also demanding that vacant posts at the Public Service Commission, CIAA, Auditor General’s Office, and Election Commission be filled. It is seeking a large chunk of the appointment pie, which include Chief of CIAA or Public Service Commission and some members in constitutional bodies.
Posted on: 2010-03-18 12:00
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