In a dramatic political moment, Lumbini Province Chief Minister Kul Prasad KC moved the floor test in the Provincial Assembly on Monday amidst opposition and boycott by the CPN-UML. It is a historic moment for the province to come out in a vote of confidence following a turbulent period in the government’s existence.
The floor test was conducted in tense circumstances that involved protests and boycotts by CPN-UML in and out of the voting booth. Their absence, though, was courteous. They were not many to hinder the assembly from attaining the quorum necessary for the confidence vote. Koshi Chand Chief Minister KC, who was under pressure to demonstrate that he had a majority in the house, was assisted by other parties and independent members to hold his position in the house.
The successful floor test is considered another major triumph for KC and his coalition as itgerates their hold on the provincial government. This development is coming at a time when Lumbini Province, like other provinces in Nepal, is facing one economic and developmental challenge or the other. The consolation derived from this confidence is believed to put the government in a position of effectively delivering on its policy and meeting the challenges in the province The narrative of this vote of confidence is expected to enable the government to respond responsibly to the needs of the province.
However, the boycott by the CPN-UML raises question marks over the political concord of the province as well. The official opposition has claimed that the coalition has been eroding the democratic tenets of the country and has threatened to sustain an attitude regarding the current government as illegitimate. This split along the political lines may cause impairments in the normal flow and operations of the provincial assembly and affect some of its main policies.
Much like the floor test observed in regard to Lumbini Province it is the microcosm of Nepalese politics where multiple coalitions and dynamic loyalties dominate the political process. This ability of the Chief Minister KC in retaining his coalition to ensure this vote of confidence shows immense political strategies he applies in and around the provincial politics.
Thus post the floor test, what becomes of Lumbini and its challenges is a matter of interest for the provincial government. The area which includes the birthplace of Buddha has been constantly able to search for a middle ground on Economic growth and culture and tourism. Many investors will be looking at how this government will balance these competing factors in the coming months.
The successful floor test also has political implications for the provincial government and the federal authorities in Kathmandu. The local and provincial governments are probably more secure in their positions when they deal with the central government in terms of funding and policy implementation.
With the announcement of the floor test, various individuals have been expressing their disapproval of the method and approval of the results. The pro-KC part is relieved as the speaker declared the majority of the House in favor of Chief Minister KC, while on the other side, the opposition is completely disappointed with the floor test technique. Most civil society organizations have urged all the stakeholders to disagree on politics and come together to advance the course of the province.
It remains clear that the following days will become politically rather active in Lumbini Province as the government will try to strengthen its positions and the opposition will try to think over its actions. The way that two parties deal with this post-floor test will be the critical factor to define the political stability and governance effectiveness in the province.
The situation in the Lumbini Province is also of significant interest to watchers of political affairs throughout Nepal, since what occurs there will establish templates for other provinces too. Provincial governments’ capacity to hold stability and govern is viewed as one among the key dimensions of assessment of the federal structure of Nepal indicated after the adoption of the new constitution in 2015.
While Lumbini Province is set to build upon this epochal moment, the spotlight will be drawn inevitably on the capability of the government to translate these commitments into action and serve its people. Problems that arise daily in the administration of the Chief Minister KC may affect the province’s development prospects on and on the political map of Nepal for the next many months.
