Nepal Communist Party (UML) Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai has said that candidates from his side will not contest the party’s 11th General Convention as a panel, stressing that nominations will be filed on an individual basis.
Speaking to reporters at Bhrikutimandap, Bhattarai, who is seeking the post of deputy general secretary from the Ishwar Pokharel faction, said the decision reflects a collective understanding within his group.
“Everyone will be filing their candidacy,” Bhattarai said. “We have been advised not to submit nominations as a panel but individually, and that is what we are going to do.” He said the General Convention is expected to produce a new leadership team that will steer the party forward and position the UML to win public support in the next general elections and return to government.
Addressing concerns about internal competition, Bhattarai rejected the notion that the election process could weaken party unity. He said internal elections are a normal democratic exercise and do not divide the party.
“The party is united,” he said. “An election process does not fragment the party. In fact, a clean and dignified contest strengthens the party and helps reinforce unity.”
Bhattarai added that his side remains alert to ensure that the election process is conducted fairly and without unhealthy practices, reiterating that transparent internal elections ultimately make the party stronger.
