KATHMANDU, Dec. 26 -- Breaking its alliance with the ruling parties led by Nepali Congress (NC), the CPN (Maoist Center) has secured the post of prime minister.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Sunday evening appointed Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal as the new prime minister as per Article 76 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. As per the constitutional provision, Dahal, who has been appointed as the country's executive head for the third time, will have to win a vote of confidence in parliament within the next 30 days.

The sudden twist in the course of the country's national politics that was still in the making after the November 20 general election came allegedly after Prime Minister and Nepali Congress(NC) President Sher Ba...