UML Convenes Landmark General Convention Amidst Political Flux
Bhaktapur, Nepal – December 14 – The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) – UML – commenced its 11th General Convention at Sallaghari, Bhaktapur, drawing a massive congregation of party leaders and cadres. The pivotal event, aimed at electing new leadership and charting the party’s future course, was inaugurated by party chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who ceremonially hoisted the party flag.
The inauguration was graced by a distinguished assembly of leaders from across the political spectrum, underscoring the significance of the UML’s largest gathering to date. Among the notable attendees extending their greetings were Purna Bahadur Khadka, acting president of the Nepali Congress; Dev Gurung, leader of the Communist Party of Nepal; Rajendra Lingden, chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party; Netra Bikram Chand, General Secretary of the Nepal Communist Party; and Ranjita Shrestha, chair of the Nagarik Unmukti Party.
The party estimates this convention to be its largest ever, with cadres mobilized from across the nation via reserved transportation. A total of over 2,200 delegates, comprising elected and nominated representatives, alongside 309 observers, are participating in the convention. The primary agenda is the election of the party’s new leadership, which will include 15 office-bearers, including the party chair, and 251 central committee members. Approximately 10,000 volunteers have been mobilized to ensure the smooth management of the event.
While 10 percent of the central committee members were to be nominated on Saturday, a faction led by Ishwar Pokharel raised objections to the nomination of 108 representatives. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this convention has been convened a year ahead of schedule, citing exceptional circumstances. The gathering follows closely on the heels of the overthrow of the Oli-led coalition government, an event attributed by the party to a “Gen Z revolt.” The UML’s 10th convention was held in Chitwan in December 2021. Following a statute and policy convention concluded in September, the Bhaktapur gathering is primarily focused on leadership selection.
Oli’s Address: National Sovereignty and Political Allegations
In his inaugural address, KP Sharma Oli delved into a range of critical issues. He addressed the September 8-9 “Gen Z movement,” expressed skepticism regarding the scheduled March 5 elections, outlined the UML’s stance on the restoration of the dissolved House of Representatives, and emphasized matters of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Oli also raised concerns about alleged national and foreign conspiracies targeting the party.
Known for his strong nationalist rhetoric, Oli asserted that the UML faces opposition precisely when it champions Nepal’s rights as an independent and sovereign nation. He contended that certain entities believe weakening the UML would undermine the sovereignty of the Nepali people, alleging that both external and internal forces are actively working to diminish the party’s influence.
“Countries may be small or large in geography, they may be small or large in population, but the sovereignty of all is equal and equally respected,” Oli stated. “Some people feel, how dare a small country seek parity with us? And then there is an attack.”
He further elaborated on the party’s core principles, highlighting the embrace of diversity and plurality as strengths, not sources of division. “We say that diversity and plurality are our assets, not matters of division. We said that unity in diversity is our core mantra, and then we are attacked.”
Oli also underscored the nation’s inherent right to self-determination. “We say the right to draft a constitution as a sovereign country is ours, the right to amend the constitution is ours. We say we will exercise, utilise, and make good use of our freedom. We say the right to choose the path for our country and its political system is ours. Some people don’t like this, and then we are attacked,” he lamented.
Despite challenges such as armed conflict, political transition, and natural disasters like earthquakes, Oli maintained that the country has witnessed visible progress, even if not at the desired pace. He characterized the forces opposing the UML as multifaceted, appearing under various guises, from expressing dissatisfaction to rallying under slogans of change and “color revolutions,” all with the common objective of division and disorientation.
Oli recalled instances where the UML faced backlash for its firm stance, including during the promulgation of the constitution and its pursuit of a transit agreement with China, which aimed to transform Nepal from a landlocked to a land-linked country and enhance north-south connectivity and border defense while asserting territorial claims. He referenced his tenure as Prime Minister in 2016, during which he signed a trade and transit deal with China, proposed north-south road corridors, advocated for extending Chinese rail networks to Nepal, and encouraged Chinese investment.
Stance on Elections and House Restoration
Challenging the prospect of scheduled parliamentary elections in March, Oli advocated for the restoration of the dissolved House of Representatives. He clarified that the UML is not shying away from elections but expressed concerns about the fairness of the process. “If there is no fear, pressure and vendetta against us, we will gain a majority. But some people are trying to mislead the country that an election is going to happen. The election won’t happen. It is only to mislead the county. That is why our firm position is for House restoration,” the UML chief declared.
Oli criticized the government’s actions, such as freezing passports of party leaders and imposing prohibitory orders, arguing that these measures do not foster an environment conducive to elections. He questioned the government’s approach, asking, “Is this how you build an election climate?” He added that the interim government, led by Sushila Karki, tasked with holding elections on March 5, has failed to establish the necessary conditions.
Inter-Party Solidarity and Calls for Unity
Leaders from other political parties offered their perspectives and solidarity during the convention. Purna Bahadur Khadka of the Nepali Congress called for an impartial investigation into the events of September 8 and 9. He stressed the necessity of political parties uniting to guide the nation back on track, questioning the destruction of national heritage sites and religious institutions. Khadka emphasized the need for unity against attacks on the state system, for reconstruction, rebuilding trust, restoring the constitution, and protecting citizens’ rights. While awaiting a Supreme Court decision on House restoration, the Congress remains prepared for elections.
Dev Gurung of the Communist Party of Nepal highlighted the indispensable need for communist unity, asserting that communists are inherently patriotic, nationalist, and possess the power to safeguard national sovereignty. He argued that establishing a socialist system is challenging without such unity.
Netra Bikram Chand, General Secretary of the CPN (Maoist), expressed solidarity with the UML in their struggle for national sovereignty, stating that his party stands with the UML against attacks stemming from its consistent advocacy for national sovereignty. Chand also supported the UML’s proposal for an all-party government following the restoration of the House of Representatives to facilitate elections.
Rajendra Lingden, Chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, called for a new understanding among political parties that safeguards key national achievements, including the establishment of democracy in 1950, the multi-party system in 1990, and inclusiveness and proportional representation in 2006. He urged parties to unite to save and rebuild the nation by addressing the concerns of traditional powers, political parties, and the youth.
Surendra Jha, General Secretary of the Democratic Socialist Party (LSP), urged the UML to take the lead in constitutional amendments, stating that a dynamic constitution requires revision. He described the 2015 constitution as flawed and suggested that the issues faced during its promulgation, including the walkout by some members of the Constituent Assembly, needed to be addressed.
Call to Action: Restoring Parliament and Rebuilding Trust
A powerful video message at the convention called upon UML cadres to “wake up” for the restoration of Parliament. The video depicted scenes of government structures set ablaze during the “Gen Z protest,” including the temple of justice, Parliament building, and Singha Durbar. The UML vowed to never forget these events, nor those who carried fire, snatched police weapons, or escaped from prison. The message urged citizens to rise to restore faith, work for parliamentary reinstatement, and “awaken to repair the torn constitution.”
As the March House elections approach and the nation’s political climate intensifies, the UML convention has captured significant attention, particularly concerning the election of its new leadership. The convention, scheduled to conclude on Monday, will see delegates elect the party’s central leadership for the next five years, with the race for the party chair being a central focus. Both KP Sharma Oli and his deputy, Senior Vice-chairman Ishwar Pokharel, are expected to contend for the chairmanship, reportedly forming separate panels for the 15 office-bearer positions. Intense meetings and lobbying are underway as both factions strive to consolidate their support among delegates. The leadership election process is set to commence on Sunday, following a closed-door session, with aspirants for office-bearer and central committee positions already campaigning through social media.