Kathmandu/biratnagar, Aug. 3 -- More than a week after the CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) agreed on July 25 to restructure provincial governments in all provinces except Gandaki and Madhesh, only Karnali has installed a new chief minister. Political disagreements, coalition negotiations and constitutional concerns have delayed government formation in Koshi, Bagmati and Sudurpaschim.

The coalition agreement envisaged the UML leading the governments in Koshi and Bagmati and the NCP taking charge in Sudurpaschim. However, party insiders say internal disputes and difficulties in securing stable majorities have prevented the agreement from being implemented.

In Koshi, the biggest obstacle has emerged from within the UML itself....