Just days ahead of the crucial trust vote in Nepal's Parliament, 26 lawmakers of the country have tested positive for the COVID-19, reported The Kathmandu Post. And the reports of others are still awaited. 

The MPs were tested randomly at Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s official residence ahead of a crucial meeting, and some among them came positive. The faith of the Oli government is hanging in the balance as it will face a trust motion on Monday. The CPN-MC, headed by former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, withdrew its support, pushing the Oli government to a minority. 

Nepal on Saturday reported over 8000 new cases and 50 deaths. Prime Minister Oli, however, in an interview to CNN, said the “situation is under control”. 

“Of course the pandemic is spreading in Nepal like it is in some other countries. The COVID-19 situation in Nepal is under control now we must say,” Oli said. He even went on to blame the people for the spread of the virus, accusing them of not following health measures.

On Saturday, Oli held a meeting of the Constitutional Council. Opposition leaders however boycotted it. 

While the country battles the COVID-19 surge, the government is working out arrangements for the Monday trust vote. Many officials, security personnel in the parliament building, too, have tested positive. 

“Reports of 50 parliamentarians and officials have yet to come. We discussed the voting arrangements for Monday at today’s Cabinet meeting,” Pradeep Gyawali, the country’s minister for foreign affairs, was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post.

Officials are discussing plans to allow Covid positive lawmakers to vote from a different hall. (SAM)