Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda elected as Prime Minister of Nepal

He becomes the 24th Prime Minister in 26 years since the Himalayan nation adopted multi-party democracy in 1990 and the eighth since the 239-year-old monarchy was abolished eight years ago.

Following the resignation of Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli after the Opposition filed a no-confidence-motion against him in the Parliament, Maoist chief Prachanda was elected as Nepal's Prime Minister today.

This is the second time that Pushpa Kamal Dahal â€” better known as Prachanda has been elected for the same post. His brief stint with premiership, starting in 2008, came to an end in 2009 due to disagreement with the military over his attempt to sack the army chief.

Prachanda's appointment is expected to bring political stability in the country that is deeply divided over the new Constitution. He addressed the House before the election and said that his goal is economic development, while moving ahead with the spirit of national consensus.

The 61-year-old CPN-Maoist Centre chief, the only contender for the post, was elected Prime Minister with 363 votes in favour and 210 against him. Out of a total 595 members, 22 did not vote.

Prachanda won today's vote after Nepali Congress and CPN Maoist Centre signed a three-point agreement with the Madhesi Front to secure support from the Madhesi parties for their bid to form a new government led by him.

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