Nepal set to choose new PM after breakthrough

KATHMANDU, Feb 9 (AFP): Veteran politician Sushil Koirala was expected to become Nepal's new prime minister after a rival political party announced its support on Sunday, ending months of deadlock following last year's elections.
Parliament will convene on Monday to vote for a premier, paving the way for the formation of a government charged with ending a prolonged political crisis that has crippled the economy.
Koirala, 75, is expected to be the only candidate after his Nepali Congress party-which topped the polls last November-secured the backing of the Unified Marxist-Leninist party (UML), which came second.
UML chairman Jhalanath Khanal said his MPs would vote for Koirala, following extensive negotiations within the party and with Nepali Congress on the make-up of the new coalition government.
"Our party has decided to support Nepali Congress in the election for the prime minister," Khanal told reporters.
"The details of the deal will be out soon. Everything will be agreed on a package. We are also discussing the new government's policy and programme," Khanal said.
Nepal held elections on November 19 for a constituent assembly or parliament, charged with writing a constitution aimed at bringing stability to a country still divided by the legacy of a decade-long civil war.