The parliament could not elect a PM as the CPN (UML) and United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) stuck to their earlier decisions of staying neutral in the voting.

Maoist PM candidate Dahal secured 240 votes in his favour while 101 votes were cast against him. 163 lawmakers stayed neutral. There were 504 lawmakers at the House at the time of voting for Dahal.

Many lawmakers, who arrived late for the session, were barred from entering the House during the voting process for Dahal, as the House convened on time today. However, they were able to participate in the voting for NC candidate Paudel.

Paudel got 122 votes in his favour, while 242 votes were cast against him and 172 lawmakers remained neutral. 536 lawmakers were present at the House during the voting for Paudel.

The results were quite expected as the UML with 108 seats and the Madhesi Front with 82 seats had already declared they would stay neutral in the election.

The House has been adjourned after the voting. A meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of the legislature parliament will decide on the next date for PM election.

nepalnews.com