Kathmandu: The Nepali Congress has
deferred to next month its general convention that is expected
to elect a new generation of office bearers, citing the fifth
round of Prime Ministerial election that is scheduled for
August 18.
The party will now hold its 12th general convention
from September 17 to 21 in Kathmandu instead of the planned
dates of August 26 to 30.
Nepal`s Constituent Assembly will attempt to elect a
new prime minister yet again on August 18 after the first four
attempts failed to throw up a consensus candidate.
In case the August 18 election failed to elect the
Prime Minister it would affect the general convention of the
party, sources in the Nepali Congress said.
The party`s central committee meeting held on Sunday
decided to defer the date for the general convention, said NC
Vice President Gopal Man Shrestha.
"The postponing of the date has provide us more time
for preparation too," he said, adding the NC will now elect
its new party president during next month`s general
convention.
Acting President Shushil Koirala and former Prime
Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba are the main contenders for the
post of the president.
Bimalendra Nidhi and Sujata Koirala are the possible
contenders for the post of general secretary.
The party that lost its President Girija Prasad
Koirala in March this year, wants to hand over its leadership
to the new generation of leaders.
The last general convention of the party was held
five years ago.
This time some 3,100 representatives are expected to
participate in the convention.
The party`s village, town, district and regional level
committees are holding their conventions to elect
representatives to participate in the general convention.
The party, established some 60 years ago, has 350,000
active members.
PTI
