Congress leaders say regular or special, party convention must by mid-December

Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress party is currently embroiled in a significant internal debate regarding the timing and nature of its upcomi...

Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress party is currently embroiled in a significant internal debate regarding the timing and nature of its upcoming general convention. This discussion follows a recent expression of interest from a substantial portion of the party's elected delegates advocating for a special general convention. The central working committee of the party has convened to deliberate on the matter, weighing the merits of a special convention against the already scheduled regular convention.

The impetus for this debate stems from a perceived need for comprehensive reform within the party. This call for change is partly fueled by a growing "Gen Z movement" that is actively challenging corruption and the established order.

The Core of the Debate: Special vs. Regular Convention

While a significant number of elected representatives have voiced their support for a special convention, the party's charter dictates that a regular general convention is due by mid-December. This timeline is significant because the terms of all elected party bodies are set to expire at that time, marking the completion of their four-year tenure as outlined in the party charter.

During a recent meeting of the central working committee, senior party leaders affirmed their commitment to holding a general convention. However, the question of whether this should be a special or regular convention remains a point of contention.

Acting party president Purna Bahadur Khadka, who presided over the central working committee meeting for the first time since being appointed to the role by party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, expressed his preference for a regular general convention. He emphasized the importance of unity in moving the party forward and suggested that preparations should be made accordingly. However, he refrained from specifying a date for the convention.

The Petition for a Special Convention

Prior to the central working committee meeting, a petition signed by approximately 54% of the general convention representatives was submitted to the party's central office. This petition called for a special convention to be convened if the regular general convention could not be held by mid-December.

Following Khadka's remarks, General Secretary Gagan Thapa also spoke in favor of holding the regular general convention by the mid-December deadline.

Differing Views on Timing

While there appears to be a general consensus regarding the need for a regular general convention, disagreements persist concerning the precise timing. A faction within the party, including General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, is adamant that the convention must be held by mid-December.

Thapa has emphasized the importance of conducting the general convention without extending the term of the current central working committee, which is scheduled to end in mid-December. The previous, 14th general convention of the Congress commenced in December 2021.

Conversely, leaders aligned with the establishment faction have proposed postponing the convention until mid-May. They argue that the party requires additional time to adequately prepare for the upcoming national elections on March 5.

General Secretary Thapa's Perspective

General Secretary Thapa addressed the central working committee, stating that the current body would finalize the schedule for the regular general convention. He further added that if the schedule for the regular convention is not established within the constitutionally mandated timeframe, a special convention would become necessary.

Thapa acknowledged the petition demanding a special convention, stating that it would be reviewed in accordance with the party's statute and that the necessary procedures would be initiated. However, he expressed his belief that the primary motivation behind the call for a special convention was to ensure that the regular general convention is held by mid-December. He expressed optimism that a consensus would be reached to conduct the regular convention on schedule.

Thapa further suggested that once the schedule for the regular general convention is announced, the need for a special convention would be nullified.

Senior Leader Koirala's Call for Action

Senior leader Shekhar Koirala also advocated for holding the regular general convention by mid-December. He highlighted the significant attention being paid to the Nepali Congress's next steps, both domestically and internationally.

Koirala pointed out that other political parties are already making preparations to hold their conventions in mid-December, questioning why the Nepali Congress could not do the same.

He emphasized that the 15th General Convention should be held by mid-December to guide the Congress toward a new direction and unlock new possibilities. Koirala expressed confidence that General Secretary Thapa would present a schedule to conduct the convention by the specified deadline.

He also acknowledged the energizing effect of the signature drive for a special convention, stating that a sense of renewal in leadership and messaging could only be achieved through a regular general convention.

The Meeting Continues

The central working committee meeting is scheduled to continue, with further deliberations on various agendas, including the general convention.

Party Spokesperson's Statement

Congress spokesman Prakash Sharan Mahat, a close associate of party president Deuba, clarified that a special general convention is not currently on the party's agenda. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, he stated that the party's focus remains on moving forward with the regular general convention.

He acknowledged that the issue of a special general convention was raised during the meeting and that the general secretary and acting president had provided briefings on the matter. However, he reiterated that the party is proceeding with plans for a regular general convention and that the meeting would determine when it can be held. He also noted that no schedule proposal has been presented during the meeting thus far.