The CPN-UML has scheduled a parliamentary party meeting for Wednesday afternoon to choose its leader ahead of the first sitting of the House of Representatives. The decision was taken during a secretariat meeting held at the party’s central office in Chyasal on Tuesday.
According to party leaders, the meeting will begin at 3 PM and will focus on electing the parliamentary party leader who will represent UML in the legislature. Senior vice-chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa has been assigned to coordinate the meeting, and he is widely expected to be the leading candidate for the position. His seniority and current role within the party have positioned him as a strong contender.
Leadership Debate Within UML
Despite Thapa’s likely selection, discussions within the party suggest that some members are pushing for younger leadership. Names of directly elected lawmakers such as Suhang Nembang and Kshitij Thebe have been raised as possible alternatives. This reflects an emerging internal debate between experience and generational renewal within UML.
In the recent House of Representatives election, the CPN-UML won nine seats under the direct system and 16 seats through proportional representation. Notably, none of the party’s top office bearers secured victory in direct elections. Senior leaders, including Thapa and Padma Aryal, entered parliament through the proportional list.
Focus on Upcoming House Session
The urgency behind the UML parliamentary party meeting is linked to the upcoming first meeting of the House of Representatives, scheduled for Thursday at 2 PM. The elected parliamentary leader will play a key role in shaping the party’s strategy, coordinating its lawmakers, and representing UML in parliamentary proceedings.
As UML moves to finalize its leadership, the outcome of the parliamentary party meeting is expected to influence both its internal dynamics and its performance in the new parliamentary term.
