Kathmandu, Oct 4: The 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress begins in Kathmandu today, with around 7,700 delegates expected to participate.
The convention, being held under the slogan "Respect for Tradition and Commitment to Change: A Strong Congress as the Alternative for a Prosperous Nepal,” will elect the party’s new leadership and determine its political and organizational direction for the coming years.
The opening ceremony will be held at 2 pm today at Khula Manch in Kathmandu. The party says the convention aims to strengthen internal democracy, make its organization more effective and redefine its role in response to the changing political environment.
The convention was initially scheduled for October 2 to 5 (Asoj 16 to 19). However, heavy rainfall, floods and landslides in different parts of the country and the disruption they caused forced the party to postpone the event.
NC at a crossroads: Pressure builds for special general convent...
Under the revised schedule, the opening ceremony will take place today, while closed sessions will be held on October 5 and 6 (Asoj 19 and 20). Elections to choose the new leadership are scheduled for October 7 and 8 (Asoj 21 and 22).
The Nepali Congress said preparations for the convention have reached the final stage. Delegates selected from different levels of the party organization will participate. Representatives will come from House of Representatives constituencies, provincial assembly constituencies, local party committees and Nepali public relations committees abroad.
The party plans to hold a relatively modest convention this time. Citing the disasters and difficult situation facing the country, the Congress has decided to avoid the elaborate arrangements seen at previous conventions and keep expenses under control. It has also encouraged greater use of digital platforms for publicity and urged party members to avoid unnecessary spending on leaflets, posters and other printed materials.
Meals for delegates have been arranged at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, while delegates will have to arrange their own accommodation.
Message of change while respecting tradition
The convention slogan seeks to convey the party’s intention to preserve its historic political legacy while adapting itself to changing times. Along with recognizing the Congress’s role in Nepal’s democratic movements, issues including the aspirations of the younger generation, good governance, economic development, job creation and citizens’ everyday concerns are expected to feature prominently at the convention.
The history of the Nepali Congress is closely linked with Nepal’s democratic movements, political transformations and struggles for civil rights. At the same time, the changing political landscape has created pressure on the party to reform its organization, leadership style and relationship with the public. Against this backdrop, the convention slogan seeks to combine respect for the party’s past contributions with a commitment to future change.
Delegates will discuss the party’s future political course, organizational structure, leadership responsibilities and contemporary political issues. Alongside electing a new leadership, the convention is expected to make decisions aimed at strengthening the party’s credibility among the public, expanding its organization and improving its role in political competition.
The five-day convention will determine the Congress’s leadership and policies for its next term. Once the opening ceremony, closed sessions and elections are completed, the new leadership will face the task of preserving the party’s historical legacy while responding to demands for change.
Political attention will therefore be focused on the decisions emerging from the convention and how the party plans to translate its slogan of building a strong Congress for a prosperous Nepal into practice.
