KATHMANDU: The upcoming election for Nepali Congress (NC) president under the 15th General Convention is unlikely to match the fierce intensity of past elections. With senior leaders who previously contested with rival panels stepping aside, incumbent party President Gagan Kumar Thapa has emerged as the front-runner.
At the 14th General Convention, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Dr Shekhar Koirala fielded candidates for all positions and competed as rival panels. Prakash Man Singh and Bimalendra Nidhi also fielded leaders close to them for some office-bearer positions.
NC leaders say the likelihood of such factional competition is much lower at the 15th General Convention which kicks off in Kathmandu on Sunday. Some leaders who had been preparing for the presidency for a long time are not in the race. After Gagan Kumar Thapa took over the party leadership through a special general convention, Purna Bahadur Khadka, Shekhar Koirala, Shashank Koirala, Bimalendra Nidhi and Prakash Man Singh are not contesting in the convention being held under Thapa’s leadership. Most of these leaders are associated with dissident faction leaders like Shashank Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
As a result, Thapa has emerged as the main contender for party president at the 15th General Convention. Some NC leaders have begun describing him as the “uncontested” candidate for the presidency. However, leaders close to former Joint General Secretary Kishor Singh Rathore say he is also preparing to contest for the top party post.
“The possibility of factional competition is low this time. I think Thapa is the only candidate for the presidency,” Khatiwada said.
NC leader Ramhari Khatiwada says that although there will be competition for all positions this time, the likelihood of factional rivalry is lower than in the past. “The possibility of factional competition is low this time. I think Thapa is the only candidate for the presidency,” Khatiwada said.
Some NC leaders believe Rathore does not have a strong claim to the presidency. “I don’t think he will pursue it strongly. He may be bargaining for some other position,” an NC leader told Himal Press.
Another NC leader, Pratima Gautam, also says the possibility of factional competition for the presidency remains low so far. “I am also an aspirant for joint general secretary. But I don’t think factions will be formed,” she said. “Let’s see how things progress.”
In previous general conventions, contenders for the presidency would form their respective factions for the election. The party has also seen leaders switch factions and alliances change until the last minute.
As per the NC statute, a candidate needs 50.5% of the valid votes to be elected president. If no candidate secures the required majority in the first round, a second round is held. NC leaders say the party leadership could be elected in the first round itself in the 15th general convention.
Although the prospect of a highly competitive presidential race appears weaker than in previous conventions, the number of aspirants for other office-bearer positions is growing. Competition for posts like general secretary and joint general secretary is expected to be particularly intense.
NC has two vice president posts—one elected through open contest and one elected from women’s category. Both Pushpa Bhusal and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, who are currently holding the positions, are reportedly considering seeking another term. Bhusal has already said that she will contest for the position again, while Sharma has so far remained silent.
Although the prospect of a highly competitive presidential race appears weaker than in previous conventions, the number of aspirants for other office-bearer positions is growing.
Competition for two general secretary positions is also expected to be intense. More than half a dozen leaders are currently being seen as potential candidates. NC leaders say incumbent general secretaries Pradeep Paudel and Guru Raj Ghimire also intend to seek another term.
The names being discussed for general secretary include incumbent Spokesperson Devraj Chalise, Udaya Shumsher Rana, Ramhari Khatiwada, Dr. Sunil Sharma, Nain Singh Mahar, Amar Singh Pun and Madhu Acharya. Rana, Sharma, Mahar and Pun have publicly announced their intention to contest for general secretary. Mahar has already announced his candidacy and started a nationwide campaign.
The number of aspirants for joint general secretary is also increasing. The NC has 11 joint general secretary posts. Eight are directly elected, while three, including one woman, are nominated. Joint general secretaries are elected from the women, Indigenous nationalities, Madhesi, Khas Arya, Muslim, backward region, Tharu and Dalit clusters.
Leaders like Pratima Gautam and Manojmani Acharya have expressed interest in contesting for the position. With the number of aspirants increasing, there is also discussion within the party about the possibility of adding some office-bearer positions.
Joint General Secretary Dila Sangroula told Himal Press that the issue of reviewing the number of office-bearer positions could be raised during the closed session. “If there are too many aspirants, some positions can also be added,” she said.
