Nepali Congress Speaker election decision has taken a decisive turn, with the party opting out of the race and signaling support for the largest party’s claim to the post.
The nomination process for the Speaker is underway between 11 AM and 2 PM today. Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Vice President DP Aryal has already filed his candidacy, emerging as a strong frontrunner in the contest.
Despite holding 38 seats in Parliament, Nepali Congress confirmed it will not field a candidate. General Secretary Pradeep Paudel said the decision reflects principle rather than political limitation. He stressed that the Speaker’s role must remain neutral and free from partisan influence.
Paudel expressed confidence that the parliamentary process will ensure the position goes to the rightful party. He noted that current parliamentary arithmetic favors the RSP as the largest party, making its candidate likely to secure victory. The Nepali Congress Speaker election decision, he added, is aimed at preserving institutional balance and democratic norms.
He further stated that if the Speaker post is held by the largest party, it is natural for the second-largest party—the main opposition Nepali Congress—to expect the Deputy Speaker position. However, discussions regarding that role have not yet begun.
Meanwhile, RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti said the party has not held internal discussions on the Deputy Speaker or possible alliances. He noted that such decisions will be taken only after the Speaker election concludes.
The Nepali Congress Speaker election decision is expected to shape parliamentary dynamics, influencing leadership negotiations and cooperation among major political parties in the coming days.
