Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to hold its upcoming elections strictly in line with the organisation’s statute.
Addressing a meeting at the ministry on Thursday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Balananda Sharma said the NRNA’s elections, scheduled for March 14–16, must follow the provisions clearly laid out in its statute. “If we choose to do something, it must be done within rules and procedures,” Sharma said. “Organisations must function according to their governing documents.”
He said that since the statute already clarifies provisions on online voting and physical participation, any disputes should be resolved within the same legal framework.
The meeting was convened to discuss uncertainties surrounding the election process.
Sharma said the current election approach is also in line with a 10-point agreement reached earlier under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. He maintained that the foreign ministry’s role is limited to facilitation, not interference.
Miniter Sharma also urged rival groups within the NRNA to move forward without ego and to think beyond victory or defeat. “This is not about winning or losing, but about the future of the organisation,” he said.
Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said personal interests have weakened the continuity of NRNA, which was launched with high hopes as a non-political platform to unite Nepalis worldwide for Nepal’s development. He urged the association to adhere to its non-political, inclusive, and unified character and advised against unnecessary disputes over election procedures that are already defined in the statute.
NRNA office-bearers, advisers, and representatives from various countries, both in person and virtually, attended the meeting.
