KATHMANDU: The first day of the closed session of the 11th General Convention of the CPN–UML began at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu on Sunday.
Party Chair KP Sharma Oli directed the commencement of the closed session after the party statute was amended and reverted to the provisions of the 10th General Convention. The session moved forward following the approval of the amended statute by the Central Committee.
According to UML Central Committee member Rabin Koirala, the closed-session meeting has formally begun. The closed session will elect 19 office bearers and a 301-member Central Committee. The leadership selection process follows a series of decisions, including the nomination of 108 convention representatives and the amendment of the party statute within three months.
Senior Vice Chair Ishwor Pokharel, who has challenged Chair Oli’s leadership, remains a key contender in the process, with the convention proceedings unfolding amid internal competition and differing views within the party.
Meanwhile, CPN-UML Chair KP Oli has amended the party statute, effectively retaining the provisions adopted at the 10th General Convention by revising the newly drafted statute within three months. Under the amended statute, the party will have a 301-member Central Committee, including 19 office bearers.
The statute amendment proposal was tabled at a Central Committee meeting at Bhrikutimandap on Sunday and passed by a majority of members. While leaders from Senior Vice President Ishwor Pokharel’s faction expressed strong dissatisfaction with the amendment, the majority supported Oli’s proposal. As Oli pushed for a decision, most members applauded, sidelining the Pokharel faction.
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