KATHMANDU: As the CPN–UML prepares for its upcoming convention on December 13 and 15, the party is gearing up to bring a significant number of young leaders into its central leadership, with around 25 youths expected to secure seats in the Central Committee.
Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali said that if 10 percent of the committee is allotted to youth, about 25 young leaders will be included. He insists that youth representation will not fall below 10 percent. UML Vice Chair Asta Laxmi Shakya has also claimed that 25 to 30 youths are likely to reach the Central Committee this time.
For the convention, one youth representative has been selected from each of the 165 constituencies. Based on the structure of the delegate system, it appears that youth representation will also come from special and non-geographical committees.
Gyawali further noted that, after including representatives from people’s organizations and departments, more than 25 young people could take seats in the newly expanded 251-member Central Committee. The prospect of increased youth participation has generated strong enthusiasm.
In recent days, young aspirants have been seen actively mobilizing in Chyasal, at UML Chair KP Sharma Oli’s residence in Gundu, and at Senior Vice President Ishwor Pokharel’s contact office in Thapagaun.
With two senior leaders competing for the party presidency, many youths are watching closely to determine which leader may best support their political prospects. They have been busy meeting leaders, discussing strategies with allies, and lobbying convention delegates.
Former MP Suhang Nembang from Ilam told Khabarhub that youth representation has become an important topic in internal discussions. Former ANNFSU President Nabina Lama, who is also a candidate for central membership, said the party is seriously considering youth participation and presence in the Central Committee.
A preliminary list shows several young leaders preparing to contest. Former Ilam MP Nembang confirmed that he will run. Youth Association central president Kshitij Thebe of Taplejung is also preparing his candidacy.
From Panchthar, Kalpana Waiba is planning to contest, while former Jhapa MP Sunita Baral is also preparing to run. Lokesh Niraula from Sunsari is expected to file his candidacy. Former General Secretary Sanjeev Dhital from Bagmati is preparing to be a candidate, and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol is also planning to enter the race. Abdus Mia, who contested the 2022 election from Gorkha, is another contender.
ANNFSU leaders Naresh Rokaya and Narayan Gharti are also seeking central positions. From the Sudurpaschim, Bajhang’s Gobinda Giri is preparing his candidacy. Myagdi youth leader and well-known social activist Prakash Poudel, who narrowly lost by seven votes in the General Assembly, is also preparing to contest.
From Kanchanpur, Kamala Bohora is seeking a second chance at central membership. Jumla representative Menuka Pachai has also expressed her desire to become a central member. Former ANNFSU central members Dansingh Pariyar and Sushil Thapa are aiming to return to the central structure. Likewise, the deputy mayor of Aathabis Municipality in Dailekh, Kalpana Thapa, says she is preparing to run for office.
Other youth leaders such as Janis Lama, Navaraj Ojha and advocate Radhika Khatiwada are actively lobbying for inclusion in the Central Committee. Former central member Ushakiran Timalsena is also seeking re-election.
Many aspirants are working through their affiliated public organizations to secure a place in the party’s central structure. A member of the UML Secretariat noted that experience remains important, saying, “If someone becomes a central member without any experience, it doesn’t serve the party.”
Looking at current preparations, it seems that if the party cannot reach a broad agreement on youth representation, the selection of central members may ultimately go to an internal election.
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