The king fired his controversial prime minister (Sher Bahadur Deuba ) and said he would rule directly for a few days until he could appoint a new prime minister, who would then preside over new elections. Sher Bahadur Deuba has been making a hash of things, especially because of his inability to put together a majority in parliament. The deposed prime minister also wanted to delay next month's elections for a year because of the rebel violence. The army and police have remained loyal to the king, who normally presides as a figurehead in a constitutional monarchy.