KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML has launched an election review and party restructuring campaign after being reduced to just nine directly elected seats in the March 5 election.
As part of the initiative, the party on Tuesday held a provincial-level election review and consultation program in Biratnagar, aimed at gathering suggestions and assessing the causes behind its electoral setback.
The UML has formed a task force led by senior vice-chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa to review the election results and recommend reforms in organizational structure, working style and party operations.
The event was attended by vice-chairmen Bishnu Paudel and Prithvi Subba Gurung, as well as General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and other senior leaders. Party Chairman KP Sharma Oli, however, did not attend in person.
According to party secretary and Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki, the gathering included central committee members, provincial secretariat members, district-level leaders from all 14 districts of Koshi Province and representatives of various affiliated organizations.
The party has come under pressure to reassess its organizational weaknesses, leadership style, cadre mobilization and overall structure following its disappointing election performance. UML leaders say the consultation process will serve as the foundation for broader organizational reforms.
Addressing the program virtually, Oli acknowledged that the UML had suffered the biggest setback in the election.
He said his government had delivered results in development and good governance but failed to communicate those achievements effectively to the public.
“We could neither effectively promote our achievements nor counter the misinformation spread against us. That is why we suffered a setback in the election,” Oli said.
He also admitted that the party had failed to transform its organizational strength into effective digital outreach, allowing opponents to shape public opinion through what he described as misleading narratives.
Oli further claimed that the events of September 8 and 9, 2025, were orchestrated and had been used to tarnish the image of the UML and its leadership.
Reflecting on the party’s political journey, he said the UML had overcome numerous challenges since the constitution-making process and had contributed significantly to strengthening Nepal’s relations with both neighboring countries, India and China, as well as advancing social development.
The UML said it would use feedback collected from party members and leaders to introduce necessary reforms in organizational structure, operational procedures and leadership development.
Party leaders said the reforms are intended to make the UML more effective, dynamic and people-oriented ahead of its upcoming general convention and future local and provincial elections.
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