Kathmandu: In a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) held today, details of letters received from the Office of the President regarding the appointment of the Prime Minister and the constitution of the Council of Ministers were presented. This was the first meeting of the HoR since the March 5 elections. The session was presided over by the senior-most member of the House by age, Arjun Narsingh KC.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Arjun Narsingh KC read out the letters announcing the appointment of Balendra Shah as the Prime Minister of Nepal by President Ramchandra Paudel on March 27, in accordance with Article 76(1) of the Constitution. He also informed the House about the formation of a 15-member Council of Ministers under Shah’s leadership, along with their respective portfolios.
The session unanimously endorsed a proposal regarding the procedures for conducting HoR business until formal rules are framed in accordance with Article 104 of the Constitution. Similarly, Aaren Rai, Ganga Chhantyal, Tariha Ali Bhat, Basana Thapa, Bishwaraj Pokhrel, Yagya Raj Bogati, and Bawalawati Sharma were appointed to chair the session in the absence of the Chair.
According to Article 91(5) of the Constitution, if the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker has not been held, or if both positions are vacant, the senior-most member present shall preside over the meeting of the House of Representatives.