Kathmandu, Dec 17: Voting at the ongoing 11th National Congress of the CPN (UML) began an hour later than scheduled on Tuesday morning. Although the process was slated to start at 8:00 am, it commenced at around 9:00 am.
The leadership election is being held at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. The National Congress, which aims to elect new party leadership, was inaugurated last Saturday at Sallaghari, Bhaktapur, by UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli.
Incumbent Chairman KP Sharma Oli and senior leader Ishwor Pokharel are contesting the party’s top post. Oli is seeking re-election for a third consecutive term as chairman.
A total of 660 leaders have filed candidacies for the party’s 301-member Central Committee. For the voting process, 80 electronic voting machines have been installed. As many as 2,263 representatives are participating in the convention.
The UML’s leadership convention is taking place in the aftermath of the September 8–9 Gen Z movement, which significantly influenced national politics. The Congress has drawn widespread attention amid speculation over whether Oli—who stepped down as Prime Minister of a coalition government following the movement—will secure a third term to consolidate his grip on the party, or face defeat at the hands of Pokharel.
The Oli-led faction argues that the current adverse situation confronting both the party and the country necessitates experienced and capable leadership. In contrast, Pokharel and his panel maintain that Oli should not continue in the role, citing growing anti-incumbency sentiment, particularly in the wake of the Gen Z movement. #nepal #uml
