Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) has begun the process of selecting leadership for the next term. As part of the electoral program, candidates vying for different positions in the FNJ central committee registered their nominations on Friday.
Nepal Press Union (NPU) and Press Chautari, affiliated with the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML, respectively, have formed an alliance for the elections. They have fielded common candidates for the 13-member office-bearers, including the president. As per the understanding reached between the two unions of journalists, Press Chautari has nominated candidates for the president and four other office bearers, while the NPU has fielded candidates for the senior vice-president and eight other positions.
From Press Chautari, Nirmala Sharma has filed nomination for the position of president, Nitu Pandit for vice-president (women), Ram Krishna Gyawali for treasurer, Sabin Priyasan for secretary (inclusive), and KC Lamichhane for audit committee chair. Similarly, Nepal Press Union has filed nomination of Deepak Acharya for senior vice-president, Umid Bagchand for vice-president (inclusive), Ram Prasad Dahal for general secretary, and Ramesh Khatri, Soni Sharma, Prakash Dhaulakoti, Baikuntha Parajuli, and Ashok Tiwari for secretary.
The two groups have also reached a power-sharing deal for provincial and district committees of the FNJ. As per the understanding, Press Chautari will get the leadership of the Koshi, Madhesh, Karnali and Kathmandu Valley committees, while the NPU will get the leadership of Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Sudurpaschim, and associate/organization committees. Additionally, NUP will lead 43 district committees, and Press Chautari will take 34.
Meanwhile, another coalition comprising the CPN (Maoist Center)-affiliated Press Center and the CPN (Unified Socialist)-affiliated Socialist Press Organization has fielded Kamal Giri as their candidate for the post of president, with incumbent current General Secretary Roshan Puri contesting for the position of senior vice-president. Similarly, Janmadev Jaisi has filed nomination for the position of general secretary from this coalition.
Former Senior Vice-President Ramesh Bista, Lal Singh (LS) Lama and Devi Prasad Sapkota have filed nominations for the position of president. Two other candidates – Govinda Prasad Chaulagain and Damodar Prasad Dawadi – have also filed nominations for the position of Senior Vice President. Similarly, Prakash Thapa and Lekhnath Neupane have also filed nomination for the position of general secretary.
According to the election committee, nominations for provincial committees will be filed on December 9, followed by district committees on December 11.
FNJ elections are scheduled for December 13.
