CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli will face a challenge from Ishwar Pokharel in the election for party chairman at the party's upcoming 11th General Convention, scheduled for December 13-15 in Kathmandu.
Oli had intended to become the uncontested chairman for a third term and, to this end, allegedly suspended the renewed membership of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who was a potential rival. However, Oli is now set to contest against his Senior Vice-Chairman, Pokharel.
Pokharel challenges Oli
According to UML leaders, Pokharel has the support of a majority of the Secretariat members, including Yubraj Gyawali, Asta Laxmi Shakya, Surendra Pandey, Yogesh Bhattarai, and Gokarna Bista.
Pokharel, who was elected Senior Vice-Chairman from Oli's own group in the 10th General Convention (2021), is viewed as a contemporary of Oli and a figure who worked closely with Madan Bhandari.
Leaders have encouraged Pokharel to run, arguing his long political legacy makes his claim to the chairmanship a natural one. Secretary Gokarna Bista noted that many leaders are ready for a 'healthy competition' at the general convention.
The backdrop
Oli cleared the path for his third term by amending the party statute to remove the age limit and the two-term limit for the chairman.
In the Secretariat meeting held on October 10 and 12 in Gundu, Pokharel and a majority of office-bearers had urged Oli to step down following the 'Gen Z movement,' a suggestion Oli rejected, choosing instead to schedule the General Convention 13 months earlier than the scheduled time.
Six office-bearers—including Pokharel and Vice-Chairmen Gyawali, Shakya, and Pandey—repeatedly pressed Oli to reactivate former President Bhandari's membership, but Oli dismissed the matter, fueling suspicion that he blocked it out of fear she would contest the chairmanship.
With the attempt to reactivate Bhandari's membership unsuccessful, Pokharel decided to run, reportedly after consulting with Bhandari.
Pokharel's faction is preparing to field candidates not only for Chairman but also for other office-bearer posts, suggesting the 11th General Convention will see a contest between two full panels. The new statute has increased the number of office-bearers to 15.
Key agenda
Pokharel's faction is also planning to use the issue of the former President's suspended membership as a major point of discussion at the general convention.
The convention, which will have 2,100 delegates, is now set for a competitive election, contrasting with Oli's previous attempts to secure a unanimous victory.
In the 10th General Convention held in Chitwan, Vice Chairman Bhim Rawal contested against Oli for the post of chairmanship, a challenge that subsequently led to his dismissal from the party.
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