Nepal elections likely to result with 5th coalition government, ongoing political instability

KATMANDU, Nepal – Elections appear to have resolved little in politically fractious Nepal as near-complete results make a fifth consecutive coalition government — and continuing instability — all but certain.

The Himalayan country has stumbled through the last five years with no constitution and parliamentary paralysis in addressing chronic problems like poverty, fuel shortages and corruption.

Results as of Thursday showed none of the 122 parties that competed in the Nov. 19 elections received a clear majority. A final tally was expected by Saturday.

The two largest parties are expected to hold two-thirds of the 601 Constituent Assembly seats. Each of the two has begun wooing political allies and drafting plans to lead the new government.