KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have sought legal advice as a faction of the party prepares to hold a special convention ahead of upcoming elections.
During consultations, legal experts reminded the leaders that the party’s constitution contains binding provisions regarding special conventions. They highlighted that failing to comply with these rules would be considered a violation of both the party constitution and prevailing national laws, potentially leading to legal consequences.
According to the party constitution, a special convention must be called if deemed necessary by the Central Working Committee or upon receiving a request with reasons from at least 40 percent of convention delegates. Legal experts clarified that the Central Office or the General Secretaries themselves can also convene the special convention if the committee fails to do so. Delegates who request the convention may also call it directly under the statute.
“The provisions are binding. Ignoring them would amount to violating the constitution and the Political Parties Act,” the legal advisers warned.
Responding to the advice, Thapa and Sharma said the party must hold a special convention before elections to bring in new energy, policies, and commitments. “Leadership roles are secondary. The party’s existence and procedural compliance are the priorities,” they said.
The leaders stressed that a special convention becomes mandatory once 54 percent of delegates sign a request. While they hope the central committee calls it, they are prepared to ensure it happens in accordance with party rules and the law if necessary.
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