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UML elections schedule changed

Although the voting for the new leadership at the ongoing eight general convention of the CPN (UML) in Butwal was set to start at 8 am this morning, the election committee at the Convention center has revised the schedule for the election process.

The committee said the schedule has been changed as the number of candidates filing for nominations was much higher than expected.

Howver, some UML leaders participating in the event attributed the delay to the last-minute efforts to forge a consensus on the new leadership.

Reports also quoted convention officials as saying that the delay in the election may have been caused by delay in printing of ballot paper.

According to the revised schedule, candidates can withdraw their nominations till 10 am. So far 29 candidates including Surendra Pandey, a candidate for the post of secretary, have withdrawn their nominations.

Earlier, election was expected to begin at 12 noon. However, it appears the voting process will be further delayed.

Jhala Nath Khanal, KP Sharma Oli and Subodh Raj Pyakurel have filed their nominations for the post of chairman. The main competition is going to be between Khanal and Oli.

Although other leaders filed their nominations independently, they are contesting as a panel.

Bamdev Gautam and Sahana Pradhan from Khanal camp and Ashok Rai, Bidhya Bhandari and Bhim Rawal from Oli camp are contesting for vice-chairman. Another vice-chairman candidate Bharat Mohan Adhikari is supported by both camps.

For general secretary Ishwar Pokhrel from Khanal camp and Pradip Poudel from Oli camp are contesting.

More than 400 candidates are contesting for 115 positions in central committee. The central committee member will comprise of open, zonal and reserved candidates.

Three candidates have been elected UML Central Committee members unopposed till now. Urba Dutta Panta has been elected unopposed from Mahakali zone. Lalit Kumar Basnet has been elected full member and Chuda Mani Jungali has been elected alternate member from the reserved quota for peasants. nepalnews.com ta Feb 22 09