KATHMANDU, Dec 6: Nepali Congress (NC) has formally decided to participate in the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5, a move likely to leave the CPN-UML—the only party to publicly announce a boycott—isolated.
A Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of the party, held on Saturday in Sanepa, concluded that elections are the appropriate way to resolve the current political deadlock.
"Given that House of Representatives elections have already been announced for March 5, 2026, Nepali Congress has decided to take part in the election, concluding that it is the only way to provide an appropriate outlet for the current political situation," reads a press statement issued by the party.
NC Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat said the party firmly believes the election will enable the country to move forward by protecting the Constitution and institutionalising the voices raised during the Gen Z protests for change.
The committee also decided to register the party with the Election Commission for both National Assembly and House of Representatives elections. While stressing the need for a fear-free environment, the NC highlighted serious concerns, including thousands of prisoners absconding, large quantities of missing weapons, and restrictions on political parties conducting programmes freely.
Three parties to boycott elections in Arghakhanchi
The NC urged the Election Commission (EC), the government, and all concerned parties to ensure a free, fair, and fear-free electoral environment. The meeting also called for immediate steps to improve peace and security, boost the morale of security personnel, and ensure a fear-free environment for citizens, according to Dr. Mahat.
Emphasising trust and mutual understanding, the party appealed that no path of violence or provocation should be pursued, politics of prohibition should be avoided, and dialogue and restraint should guide the search for solutions.
The meeting reaffirmed NC’s commitment to addressing the key issues raised during the Gen Z protests—including ending corruption, promoting good governance, ensuring transparency, and protecting the right to information—stressing that these are legitimate, citizen-driven demands.
Regarding the upcoming party general convention, Dr. Mahat said decisions will be made unanimously to maintain party unity. While the establishment faction wants to hold the party’s General Convention after the HoR polls, the rival faction led by General Secretary Gagan Thapa wants to hold a Special General Convention before the HoR polls. The CWC, scheduled to meet again on Dec 11, is expected to decide on this matter.
Special General Convention Now Inevitable: General Secretary Thapa
KATHMANDU, Nov 22: Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Thapa has stated that a Special General Convention has become unavoidable within the party.
A large faction of the NC, mostly supporting the General Secretary duo Gagan Thapa and Biswo Prakash Sharma, has been lobbying to conduct a Special General Convention following the political shift after the September 8-9 Gen Z protests.
Speaking to journalists at the party office immediately after the CWC meeting on Saturday, Thapa said the party is left with no alternative but to hold the Special General Convention. He explained that he had presented a detailed schedule for the regular General Convention during the meeting, but senior leaders expressed their inability to proceed—leaving the Special General Convention as the only viable option.
"We have decided to go to elections," Thapa said. "And the best way to prepare for the elections is to hold the Special General Convention on the most suitable date. The Nepali Congress must convene it on that day."
Earlier, during his remarks at the committee meeting, Thapa had proposed holding the Special General Convention on December 13 if leaders were not prepared for the regular convention.
Thapa added that the CWC does not have the authority to call or reject a Special Convention, noting that the party statute provides a separate provision for it. "The party must either decide to hold the regular General Convention by mid-December or move ahead with the Special General Convention. We have only these two paths, nothing else," he said.
-1200x560-1764836409.webp)
