Voting has started at CPN-UML’s general convention in Kathmandu after delays, with party leaders and delegates choosing a new leadership amid close contests and visible internal divisions

Kathmandu

Voting to elect new leadership of the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) began in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning during the party’s 11th General Convention. The process started about an hour later than planned due to technical problems in electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Polling had earlier been scheduled to begin on Tuesday night but was postponed after repeated glitches forced delegates to leave the queues at the Bhrikutimandap venue. UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel said the delay was unavoidable because of the technical issues. Another reason for the postponement was opposition from the faction led by Ishwar Pokhrel, which objected to voting during night hours.

A total of 2,263 delegates are eligible to vote, and electronic machines are being used throughout the process. Technicians estimate that it will take around 30 minutes for each delegate to cast a vote. While 11 candidates have already been elected unopposed, the nominations of two others were cancelled for violating party rules. Delegates are voting to elect 301 central committee members representing different regions and groups.

Party chair KP Sharma Oli is seeking a third straight term but faces a strong challenge from Ishwar Pokhrel, who is backed by former President Bidya Devi Bhandari. Oli loyalist Shankar Pokhrel is contesting again for general secretary, with Surendra Pandey emerging as a serious rival.

Several senior leaders have broken ranks and joined the Pokhrel camp, leading party insiders to predict mixed results. While Oli is still seen as influential, the race for general secretary is expected to be close. Campaigning around the venue has remained intense, with posters, rallies and online outreach dominating the area.