KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Central Committee member Jhapat Bahadur Rawal has proposed two alternative models to reform the process of selecting representatives and leadership for the party’s upcoming National General Convention.
Rawal said the convention should be used as a historic opportunity to strengthen organizational democracy, representation, and transparency within the party.
In a proposal made public on Saturday, Rawal outlined two frameworks, a geography-based representation model and a direct member participation model, both designed to make the party more people-oriented and institutionally strong.
According to Rawal, the first model envisions representation from all 753 local levels, with each local level sending at least one representative to the national convention. It also ensures the mandatory inclusion of women, youth, Dalits, indigenous groups, and marginalized communities. He argued that such an approach would help maintain geographical balance, boost the morale of grassroots workers, and strengthen the party’s organizational connection with the people.
Similarly, the second model, based on direct member participation, allows all party members to be directly involved in the leadership selection process. It envisions establishing polling centers in each municipality, enabling both digital and in-person voting. Rawal said that a membership verification system should be implemented to guarantee transparency and trust, thereby making the leadership selection more legitimate and democratic.
Rawal emphasized that both models share a common goal, promoting inclusiveness, transparency, and participatory democracy within the UML. He added that the decision on which model to adopt should depend on the party’s policy, technical readiness, and internal consensus.
“These models are not competing visions but complementary approaches to ensure internal democracy,” Rawal said. “Both show a path to make UML more people-centered, transparent, and ideologically strong.”
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