KATHMANDU: The ruling Nepali Congress (NC) has instructed local working committees in areas holding by-elections to concentrate on ‘Mission December 1.’
The Central Coordination Committee for Local Level By-elections, led by General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma, emphasized the importance of these elections, scheduled for December 1, stating they are crucial for both the democratic system and the NC.
In a circular, Sharma urged party members in election areas to fully commit to ‘Mission December 1’.
Despite being in a coalition government with the CPN-UML, the Nepali Congress is pursuing a strategy of “collaboration in government, competition in the field.”
Sharma highlighted the need for mutual unity, trust, and a systematic action plan to achieve electoral success.
He called for the Nepali Congress to take a leadership role in fostering harmony and social unity among parties during the election process.
The circular also calls for a coordinated effort at all levels to maintain a clean, responsible, and mature public presentation of all candidates and campaign workers.
In the 15-point circular, Sharma directed election-level leaders to avoid organizing events outside their electoral jurisdictions, except in cases of serious illness or emergencies.
The party also mandated that influential leaders and workers be recalled from outside the electoral areas to assist in the campaign.
To ensure victory, the Nepali Congress has instructed its members to prioritize village-centered gatherings and corner meetings over large rallies.
They are required to maintain records of all party workers engaged in the field and submit these to the higher committee after the election results.
The circular also outlines a policy to expel party leaders and activists who acted against the party’s decisions in the last election, while renewing memberships and assigning responsibilities based on their contributions to the party’s success in the upcoming by-elections.
Additionally, the Nepali Congress requested details about party activists who faced disciplinary action since the last election but supported the party in the recent by-election efforts, to be sent to the higher working committee afterward.
The party has encouraged respectful coordination with aspirants who did not receive candidate tickets, aiming to keep them engaged for future responsibilities.
To enhance their campaign efforts, the Nepali Congress has been directed to establish a secretariat of 5 to 7 members, an election mobilization committee featuring key local leaders, and a main campaign committee composed of experienced cadres.
The circular also calls for the creation of a women’s campaign committee, a youth campaign committee skilled in social media, and a volunteer committee to manage various aspects of the election process, including campaigning, booth security, ballot box collection, and vote counting.
The Nepali Congress plans to mobilize additional structures, such as committees focused on intellectual and professional sectors, social organizations, local administration, and broader party coordination.
The party has emphasized the importance of clearly presenting its issues and commitments to voters, advocating for a stronger democratic system, more people-oriented local governance, and accountability from the federal government.
It aims to address grievances related to cooperatives and ensure that those responsible for malfeasance are punished.
Furthermore, the Nepali Congress has instructed its working committees to remind citizens of past development achievements, expedite unfinished projects, restore public confidence, and address local issues responsibly.
The circular also calls for a coordinated effort at all levels to maintain a clean, responsible, and mature public presentation of all candidates and campaign workers.
“Victory will depend on the engagement of local supporters,” the circular states.
“Only designated individuals should be present in the electoral area to prevent overcrowding that could influence the election.”
A ‘By-election Special Monitoring Committee,’ including senior leaders, will be formed to facilitate and monitor these activities effectively.
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