FNJ elects its first female President

KATHMANDU: For the first time in its 69-year history, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has elected a female president.

Nirmala Sharma, representing the alliance of Press Chautari and the Nepal Press Union, has won the presidency.

Sharma had also contested the presidency in the previous election but was defeated by Bipul Pokhrel of the Nepal Press Union, who won under a different alliance at the time.

This time, Sharma defeated Ramesh Bista, a candidate from the rebel panel backed by the Press Center and Socialist Press Organization by a margin of over 1,200 votes. The official announcement with full details is expected after 1 pm.

Although there has been no formal declaration yet, a member of the Election Commission has confirmed that Nirmala’s victory is secure.

Additionally, it is reported that other candidates from her panel have also won, with the exception of the treasurer position, which has been secured by Ram Krishna Adhikari.

From Nirmala Sharma’s panel, Deepak Acharya has been elected as senior vice president, Neetu Pandit as women’s vice president, Umid Prasad Bagchand as inclusive vice president, and Ram Prasad Dahal as general secretary.

Other winners from her panel include K.C. Lamichhane, who has been elected as the coordinator of the accounts committee, as well as several secretaries.

Simultaneous elections were held across all districts and provinces last Friday, with candidates from Nirmala’s panel securing victories in both provincial and district elections.