Ruby Kumari Thakur has won the Deputy Speaker election in Nepal’s House of Representatives, securing a decisive mandate that highlights a significant political shift. The result underscores growing cross-party alignment and weak opposition resistance.
The 25-year-old candidate from the Shram Sanskriti Party received 229 votes in her favor during the election held on Friday. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal confirmed that only five votes were cast against her, while 22 lawmakers remained neutral.
Broad Alliance Delivers Landslide Victory
Thakur’s victory was powered by an unusually broad coalition. Lawmakers from Nepali Congress, Rastriya Swatantra Party, Communist Party of Nepal, and her own Shram Sanskriti Party backed her candidacy.
The scale of support reflects a strategic convergence among major parties, suggesting a temporary alignment aimed at stabilizing parliamentary leadership. With 256 lawmakers present in the House, Thakur’s margin of victory leaves little doubt about the strength of her backing.
Opposition Bid Fails to Gain Traction
Opposition candidate Saraswati Lama from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party secured just five votes — matching her party’s total representation in parliament. The result exposes the limited influence of the opposition bloc in this vote and highlights its inability to build broader alliances.
In contrast, a large number of lawmakers chose not to oppose Thakur directly, with dozens either voting neutral or abstaining, further weakening the opposition’s position.
Neutral Stance Signals Strategic Calculations
A notable segment of lawmakers, including members from Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and sections of the communist bloc, remained neutral during the vote. This neutrality suggests ongoing internal calculations and possible hesitation to fully commit amid shifting political dynamics.
Analysts say such positioning could indicate future realignments or negotiations within Nepal’s fragmented parliamentary landscape.
Young Leadership Emerges in Key Role
At just 25, Thakur’s rise to Deputy Speaker marks one of the youngest appointments to a senior parliamentary position in Nepal. Her election signals a generational shift and growing space for younger leaders in national politics.
Her overwhelming victory not only consolidates her political standing but also reflects broader changes in how alliances are formed and power is distributed inside the House. As Nepal navigates a complex political phase, Thakur’s tenure is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining parliamentary order and balancing competing interests.
