Nepal's CPN-UML Leadership Election: A Pivotal Moment for KP Sharma Oli

Voting Underway for CPN-UML Leadership

Kathmandu: The election process for new leadership within the CPN-UML is currently taking place after a brief delay, according to officials.

Voting commenced on Wednesday morning at the 11th General Convention held in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, under the leadership of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The voting started at 9 AM after the chairperson candidates, Oli and Ishwor Pokharel, utilized electronic voting machines to cast their votes. A total of 2,263 representatives from the general convention are participating in this election.

Originally scheduled for Tuesday, the election was postponed by 24 hours due to a technical issue, as reported by party sources.

Voting will continue until midnight, with results expected to be announced shortly after the process concludes, according to party insiders.

This election is drawing significant attention, especially following Oli's recent removal from power amid the Gen Z movement.

Observers are particularly interested in whether UML representatives will support the actions taken under Oli's leadership to suppress the Gen Z protests by either re-electing him or opting for an alternative candidate.

Pokharel, Oli's rival for the party presidency, stated that Oli, as the former head of government, should bear moral responsibility for the violence and should be willing to appear before any investigative commission if called, a request that Oli has firmly rejected.

This election poses a greater challenge for the seasoned leader Oli, who is vying for a third consecutive term as party chair.

Having held the top position for over a decade, Oli previously secured his chairmanship during the 9th and 10th conventions with ease, but insiders suggest this time will be markedly more competitive.

In the five years since the last general convention, Oli has marginalized several opponents, including Madhav Kumar Nepal and others who contested his dominance within the party.

Many of these former rivals have recently aligned with Pushpakamal Dahal Prachanda to form a new party, the Nepali Communist Party.

However, with the support of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Pokharel is presenting a formidable challenge to Oli in this election.