DP Aryal elected unopposed as speaker of Nepal’s House of Representatives

KATHMANDU: Dol Prasad Aryal has been officially declared elected unopposed as the Speaker of Nepal’s House of Representatives, marking a significant political development in the federal parliament of Nepal.

The announcement was made during Sunday’s meeting of the House of Representatives by senior-most member Arjun Narsingh KC, following procedural provisions outlined in parliamentary rules.

Single Candidacy Secures Unopposed Victory

The nomination for the Speaker position was filed last Friday, with Aryal emerging as the sole. As per Rule 7 of the House of Representatives regulations, when only one nomination is registered, the presiding official declares the candidate elected unopposed after endorsement from supporting members in the meeting.

Accordingly, Sunday’s HOR meeting formally confirmed Aryal’s appointment without the need for a contested vote.

Strong Majority Shapes Outcome

The political arithmetic in the 275-member House heavily influenced the uncontested outcome. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) commands a dominant position with 182 lawmakers, placing it near a two-thirds majority.

Other parties in the House include:

Nepali Congress — 38 seats
Communist Party of Nepal UML — 25 seats
Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Socialist) — 17 seats
Rastriya Prajatantra Party — 5 seats
Other smaller दल including Shram Sanskriti Party — 7 seats

Given the ruling side’s clear majority, opposition parties chose not to field a competing candidate for the Speaker role.

Deputy Speaker Election Next

With the Speaker now in place, parliamentary process will move forward toward electing the Deputy Speaker. According to parliamentary provisions, the election date will be set by the Speaker.

Parliament Secretariat spokesperson Ekaram Giri stated that constitutional norms require the Speaker and Deputy Speaker to be from different parties and of different genders. However, in cases of a single candidacy, both positions may be held by members of the same party.

Constitutional Role and Oath Process

Before assuming office, Aryal must take the oath of office and secrecy before the President, as mandated by constitutional procedure. The Deputy Speaker, once elected, will take a similar oath in the presence of the Speaker.

Both the Speaker and Deputy Speaker serve as members of the Constitutional Council, a key body formed under Article 284 of Nepal’s Constitution. The council, chaired by the Prime Minister, plays a crucial role in recommending appointments to constitutional bodies such as the judiciary, anti-corruption authority, and the election commission.

Institutional Significance

Aryal’s elevation to the Speaker position consolidates the ruling coalition’s control over parliamentary proceedings and legislative agenda-setting. The upcoming Deputy Speaker selection is expected to draw heightened political attention due to its constitutional importance and influence in high-level appointments.

This development is likely to shape Nepal’s legislative dynamics, governance priorities, and institutional balance in the coming months.