Nepal, July 27 -- Although the CPN-UML is certain to lead the next government in Koshi Province under its agreement with the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), an internal dispute over the chief ministerial candidate has delayed the formation of the new government.

The province is currently led by UML Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki.

As Karki is set to step down, the UML is preparing to nominate Til Kumar Menyangbo, the deputy leader of its Koshi Provincial Assembly parliamentary party, as the next chief minister. The move, however, has triggered disagreements within the party.

Some UML leaders argue that because Karki became chief minister under Article 168 (5) of the Constitution, the next chief minister does not necessarily have to be...