Nepal: Election campaign in full swing as CPN-UML prepares to choose top leadership

Dec 16, 2025

Kathmandu (Nepal), Dec 16 (ANI): Electioneering is in full swing ahead of the voting to elect the top leadership of the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), led by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, at the party’s 11th General Convention in Kathmandu. Polling, now scheduled for 4 pm (local time) on Tuesday, was delayed due to technical issues related to electronic voting machines. Supporters of candidates contesting more than 300 party posts are engaged in last-minute campaigning, chanting slogans and seeking votes from delegates. According to the UML Central Election Commission, voting was delayed from 1 pm to 4 pm due to additional time needed to upload candidates’ details into the electronic system, with the final list received around 1 am on Tuesday. Incumbent chairman KP Sharma Oli is facing a challenge from senior vice-chairman Ishwar Pokharel, with both leading separate panels. Under the amended statute, multiple candidates are contesting key posts, including vice-chairperson, general secretary, deputy general secretary, secretary, and central committee membership.