KATHMANDU: The closed session of the Nepali Congress’ second special convention has concluded, and preparations for the election of new leadership have now begun.
Subash Pokharel, coordinator of the convention’s publicity and communications committee, told a briefing at the media center in Bhrikutimandap that the convention is set to run for four days, with the leadership election process beginning once the session concludes. Voting could start as early as Wednesday.
Pokharel explained that attempts to reach an understanding with President Sher Bahadur Deuba are ongoing. Two rounds of talks were held Tuesday, covering multiple regions and topics. However, no agreement has been reached on the issue of leadership change.
“The special convention was convened to revise policy and change leadership,” Pokharel said. “The process has stalled because President Deuba is not ready to step down. At his age, he should rest, write a book, and refrain from contesting upcoming elections. Winning a seat is inconsequential; voters are concerned about arbitrary proportional nominations and deals with the UML. He should now take a break.”
He added that consensus could still be reached tonight; if not, the election process will proceed tomorrow. Pokharel also criticized the party’s management, highlighting that President Ramchandra Paudel’s name has remained on the voter list for three years.
The convention hall’s message, he said, is clear: Deuba must step aside. Pokharel emphasized that neither Gagan Thapa nor Bishwa Prakash Sharma can be sanctioned by anyone, as they were invited by 2,498 delegates to inaugurate the convention. The mandate of the hall is for youth leadership to take charge.
While the special convention signals expectations for new energy and change within the party, negotiations with the establishment faction are proving decisive. If consensus is not reached, the process of electing new leadership through voting will move forward.
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