Nepal elects new president amid political uncertainty

By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA
Associated Press

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Lawmakers in Nepal have elected a new president, the third since the Himalayan nation abolished its centuries-old monarchy in 2008 and became a republic. Ram Chandra Poudel, senior opposition leader, was declared the new president after five hours of voting. The president is largely a figurehead with little political power, but the election fueled feuds among the main parties in the fragile governing alliance headed by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who took office in December. Analysts say the presidential election and an upcoming vote of confidence for Dahal in parliament could lead to further instability.