Kathmandu: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and UML President KP Sharma Oli have forged a new political alliance, agreeing on a seven-point power-sharing plan. According to the agreement, Oli will initially lead the government, followed by Deuba.

The agreement, witnessed by President Ramchandra Paudel, outlines that UML President Oli will serve as Prime Minister first, with Congress President Deuba succeeding him later in the term. Seeking clarity on the constitutional interpretation, the alliance leaders approached President Paudel at Sheetal Niwas on Monday night.

The initial draft of the agreement was prepared in Lalitpur, involving UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak. The final discussion took place at a businessman's residence in Maharajganj, where Deuba and Oli, along with other leaders, finalized the blueprint.

According to sources, the agreement includes distributing three provincial governments each to the UML and Congress. The Madhes province leadership will be given to a Madhes-centric party.

A powerful commission, led by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha, will be established for constitutional amendments. The preliminary draft suggests taking MPs elected through proportional representation to the National Assembly and appointing the Vice President as the Speaker of the Assembly. Additionally, the draft covers the removal of proportional representation in the Provincial Assembly, retaining only directly elected members.

The UML is set to secure key ministries, including the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, while the Congress will obtain the Ministry of Home Affairs. Small parties like LSP and RPP are expected to join the government to achieve a two-thirds majority for constitutional amendments.

The agreement also includes redistributing provincial governments: UML will lead in Koshi, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces, while Congress will govern Bagmati, Gandaki, and Sudurpaschim provinces.

Preliminary Draft of Congress-UML MoU
Prime Minister Rotation: Oli will serve as Prime Minister for the first two years, followed by Deuba until the next election.
Provincial Government Division: UML and Congress will each lead three provincial governments. Madhes province leadership will go to a Madhes-centric party.
Constitutional Amendments: MPs elected through proportional representation will join the National Assembly, with the Vice President as Speaker.
Reevaluation of Seats: A reconsideration of seat numbers in both the House of Representatives and National Assembly.
Municipality Reforms: Reduction of municipalities from 753 and an increase in the number of wards.
Constitution Review Committee: Formation of a committee under former Chief Justice Kalyan Shrestha to review the constitution.
Provincial Assembly Changes: Removal of proportional representation provision in the state assembly, retaining only directly elected members.
This alliance marks a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape, with both major parties aiming to stabilize governance and address key constitutional issues.