KATHMANDU, Nepal (CNN) -- The leader of Nepal's former communist rebels was named as the country's new prime minister Friday. Prachanda is still the supreme commander of the Maoists People's Liberation Army. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, was elected four months after elections in which his Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) became the largest party in the 601-member constituent assembly. Prachanda received 464 votes of the 577 votes cast, while his rival Sher Bahadur Deuba of the Nepali Congress party received 113 votes. Most of the parties in the assembly voted for the Maoist candidate. A simple majority was enough to be elected the prime minister.
@highlight
Prachanda, Communist Party of Nepal chairman, won 464 out of 577 votes
@highlight
A simple majority was enough to be elected the prime minister
@highlight
Assembly declared Nepal a republic in May and July elected first president
@highlight
The post of president is largely ceremonial. PM has executive powers
Prachanda's victory became certain on Thursday when the third and fourth biggest parties in @placeholder's assembly decided to back him.