KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has decided to introduce a primary election system for the first time in its history, marking a major shift in how party candidates will be selected.
The provision has been included in the political proposal presented at the party’s ongoing Second Special Convention at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu. The proposal, tabled by General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, aims to institutionalize internal competition and make the candidate selection process more democratic and transparent.
According to the proposal, candidates for different levels of government will be chosen through an internal primary election involving members of the relevant party units. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes, including at least one woman, will be shortlisted, from whom the final nominee will be selected.
“The system will ensure that all interested individuals get equal opportunity through a digital candidate evaluation and recommendation process based on merit, competence, integrity and organisational contribution,” the proposal states.
The party leadership believes the primary election mechanism will strengthen internal democracy, reduce disputes over ticket distribution and help restore public trust in the Nepali Congress.
The move comes amid growing calls for reform within the party, with leaders acknowledging that opaque and centralized candidate selection in the past has fueled internal dissatisfaction and weakened the party’s electoral credibility.
Party officials say the digital-based primary system will also improve transparency and accountability by allowing fair assessment of aspiring candidates, rather than relying solely on factional or leadership-based recommendations.
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