KATHMANDU: The new Cabinet cannot have more than 25 members, including the prime minister.

Article 76 (9)  of the constitution stipulates that the president shall, on recommendation of the prime minister, constitute the Council of Ministers comprising a maximum of 25 ministers, including the prime minister, in accordance with the inclusive principle from amongst the members of the federal Parliament.

As the Cabinet’s strength cannot exceed 25, the new government will have to merge ministries.

There are 30 ministries and 63 ministers, including state and assistant ministers, in the present Cabinet.