KATHMANDU: The timing of the Nepali Congress’ 15th general convention remains uncertain, with senior leaders deeply divided. Shekhar Koirala and Gagan Thapa are pushing for the convention to be held as scheduled, while allies of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba insist it should be postponed until after the 2027 general elections.

Under the party’s charter, the convention must be held by mid-December 2025, though it allows for extensions—six months under unavoidable circumstances and up to a year under extraordinary conditions. This gives Deuba the flexibility to delay the gathering until mid-2027.

For Deuba, who is 78 and cannot seek another term as party president, delaying the convention ensures he remains in control of the party’s candidate selection for local, provincial, and national elections. His faction sees this as a strategic move to shape the future leadership and secure positions for loyalists, including his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba.
Thapa, however, insists that the convention must be held on time or before the elections to allow fresh leadership to take charge. His supporters argue that delaying the convention undermines internal democracy, while Deuba’s faction warns that holding it earlier could deepen factional divisions and disrupt the party’s electoral prospects.
As the debate intensifies, the party faces a crucial decision that will determine its leadership—and its future—heading into the next elections.
The General convention will not only determine the party’s leadership but also influence its strategy for the upcoming national elections. But how does the process actually work? Here’s a detailed explainer.

Why is there a debate within the Nepali Congress over the timing of its 15th General Convention?

The Nepali Congress is divided over whether to hold its 15th General Convention before or after the 2027 general elections. According to the party’s charter, the convention should take place by mid-December 2025. However, the party has provisions that allow for an extension. If necessary, the general convention can be postponed by six months, and under constitutional provisions, it can be further delayed by an additional year in unavoidable circumstances. This means the Nepali Congress has the legal flexibility to hold its convention as late as 2027. The main disagreement within the party is between those who want to follow the original timeline and those who prefer to delay it.

Who supports holding the General Convention on schedule, and why?

A faction within the party, including Dr Shakher Koirala and General Secretary Gagn Thapa insists that the general convention must be held within the designated timeline. They argue that electing new leadership before the general elections is essential for maintaining the party’s credibility and ensuring a fair leadership transition. They believe that delaying the convention would allow the current leadership to retain control over key political decisions, such as candidate selection and election ticket distribution. Additionally, they are concerned that postponing the convention could deepen internal divisions within the party.

Who is in favor of delaying the General Convention, and what is their reasons?

Majority faction, led by the party’s president Sher Bahadur Deuba, supports postponing the convention until after the 2027 elections. Their main argument is that holding the convention before the elections could create unnecessary internal conflicts, weakening the party’s overall performance. They believe that if the leadership transition happens too soon, it could disrupt election preparations and create internal instability within the party. Additionally, some within this faction see political advantages in delaying the convention, as it would allow them to maintain influence over important decisions such as election ticket distribution in both local, provincial and federal elections as well control the overall party & strategies.

How does Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba fit into this debate?

Sher Bahadur Deuba, the party’s president, is expected to become the prime minister after the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli hands over power. Since he has already served two terms as party president, he is not eligible to run for the position again. If the general convention is held on schedule, a new party leader will be chosen before the elections, which means Deuba and his faction could lose control over key political decisions. By delaying the convention, he would maintain his position until after the elections, giving him more influence over the party’s candidates and strategies. There are also claims that Deuba is seeking to use this delay to secure the political future of his close allies.

Does the establishment faction have enough power to extend the tenure of the CWC without opposition?

Yes. The establishment faction, led by Deuba, holds approximately 80 percent of seats in the Central Working Committee. This numerical advantage allows them to push forward their decision to extend the tenure of the CWC without facing significant resistance from opposing factions. With Deuba’s strong influence over the committee, the extension is expected to proceed as planned, despite concerns and debates within the party.

Who are the main candidates for party leadership?

Dr. Shekhar Koirala has declared his candidacy, Similarly, Gagan Thapa—who was elected as General Secretary from the Koirala faction in the 14th General Convention—has, in recent times, grown closer to Deuba’s camp and intensified his campaign within district levels.

However, despite this shift, he has yet to attend any meetings called by the establishment faction or Deuba yet to endorse him form his side. Thapa is mobilized his supporters to run the party’s presidency. The establishment faction, led by Sher Bahadur Deuba is still deciding on its faction authentic candidate.

Purna Bahadur Khadka

Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka is preparing to run for the party presidency in the 15th General Convention and is seeking Sher Bahadur Deuba’s support. Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Dr. Shashank Koirala, Prakash Man Singh, and Prakash Sharan Mahat are also hoping for Deuba’s endorsement.

Is Shekhar Koirala Becoming Stronger After Switching Allegiances from the Deuba Camp?

With Sher Bahadur Deuba no longer eligible to run for the Nepali Congress presidency, the political dynamics within the party are shifting. Many leaders from Deuba’s faction are moving closer to Dr. Shekhar Koirala, who is preparing for another bid in the 15th General Convention. Several senior leaders, particularly those over 60 and many office-bearers, have pledged their support to Koirala. However, not all Deuba loyalists are expected to follow suit—some are choosing to remain independent and back their own candidates rather than rallying behind a single leader.

As the convention approaches, Koirala has intensified his efforts, traveling across the country to build support. His camp has already gained momentum with four office-bearers from Deuba’s side officially joining him. Among them is Bal Krishna Khand, a powerful leader who recently shifted his allegiance after being released from judicial custody on bail. Similarly, NP Saud, another influential leader within the Deuba camp, is now considered close to Koirala.

The realignment within the party is becoming more apparent as leaders from Deuba’s group continue switching sides. Out of the 14 Nepali Congress office-bearers, six are reportedly ready to join the Koirala faction, with four already having made the move.

Beyond these shifts, General Secretary Bishwo Prakash Sharma and Joint General Secretaries Bhismraj Angdambe and Mahendra Yadav have also signaled their alignment with Koirala’s camp. Meanwhile, Koirala is actively courting other senior figures like Joint General Secretaries Kishore Singh Rathore and Mahalaxmi Upadhyay ‘Dina’ in an effort to expand his influence.

Despite these developments, Deuba has yet to reveal his plans. Observers suggest he may be working to position his spouse, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Deuba Rana, in a high-ranking party role. During a recent training session for party district presidents in Pokhara, Deuba hinted at creating political space for Arzu. His ultimate endorsement for the party presidency may depend on a candidate’s willingness to support this plan, leaving uncertainty over who will receive his backing.

How Will Gagan Thapa Perform in the 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress?

Gagan Thapa, the General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, enjoys strong grassroots support, particularly at the district level. As the 15th General Convention approaches, Thapa’s campaign is gaining momentum from Gandaki to Karnali with increasing backing from various district factions within the party. Many district leaders and local leaders are rallying behind him, seeing him as a popular leader to lead the party into the next general elections. However, his path to the presidency is far from certain.

One of the biggest challenges for Thapa is securing the support from the older generation to other faction senior leaders or not certainty from the Deuba faction. Many senior leaders in Congress remain reluctant to back him. Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba himself has a different political calculation at play. Deuba is now considering a different strategy— divided Koirala faction to not challenge in parliamentary party leader, negotiating with various leaders including Koirala and Thapa to secure a prominent role for Arzu Rana Deuba in exchange for support in 15th general convention. If Thapa refuses to accommodate this demand, Deuba may look for an alternative candidate rather than endorsing him.

Another major hurdle for Thapa is resistance from the party’s older generation and other popular leaders. Key figures like Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Pradip Paudel even engaging with Koirala also. Many central level and elder leaders are not in favor of Thapa’s rise to the presidency. They believe he lacks the age and widespread support necessary to unite the party at the highest level.

Thapa’s past electoral record within the party also presents a challenge. In the parliamentary party leadership election, he lost to Sher Bahadur Deuba by a significant margin—Deuba secured 64 votes, while Thapa managed only 25. Many of his own camp members did not vote. Despite this setback, he has since adjusted his political alliances, moving closer to the Deuba camp in an effort to secure his support.

The 15th General Convention will be a defining moment for Thapa. If he successfully navigates internal party dynamics and secures key endorsements, he could emerge as a strong contender for the presidency. However, if he fails to consolidate support from both the Deuba faction, Koirala faction and senior leaders, his ambitions could be derailed. The convention will ultimately determine whether he can translate his popularity at the grassroots level into real power within the party.

Could delaying the General Convention impact the party’s election chances?

Some leaders argue that holding the general convention too soon could lead to internal disputes over leadership, which could weaken the party before the elections. However, others believe that delaying the convention could also be damaging, as it might create doubts about the party’s commitment to democratic processes. There is also the concern that if the current leadership remains in place for too long, it could lead to dissatisfaction among party members who are eager for change.

Has the Nepali Congress held conventions on time in the past?

Historically, the party has never hold general conventions on schedule. Despite its significant role in Nepal’s democratic movements, leadership elections have frequently been delayed due to internal conflicts and strategic calculations.

Is there a possibility of merging with another party to justify delaying the convention?

Some party members have suggested merging with a smaller political party as a way to avoid legal issues related to delaying the convention. However, this idea has been dismissed by those who believe it is neither a practical nor a necessary step. They argue that merging parties just to postpone the convention would create more complications rather than resolving the issue.

What is the final decision on the timing of the General Convention?

The party has not yet reached a final decision. While some leaders strongly advocate for holding the convention as scheduled, others are pushing for a delay. Discussions are ongoing within the party, and the final decision will depend on how much support each faction can gather. If the party fails to reach an agreement, the internal divide could escalate, potentially affecting its performance in the next elections.

Who Gets to Participate in the General Convention?

Nepali Congress has two types of members: general members and active members. While general members have no role in the party’s internal electoral process, active members hold significant influence. They are the ones who participate in the General Convention and cast their votes to select party leadership at various levels. This distinction is crucial because only active members have the power to shape the party’s direction.

How Does the Nepali Congress Internal Election Process for the General Convention Work?

The General Convention is not a single event but rather a multi-stage electoral process that starts at the grassroots level and moves upward. It begins with ward-level conventions and ultimately leads to the selection of the party’s central leadership.

At the ward level, active members elect representatives who will move up to higher levels of the party structure. Each ward convention selects up to 75 regional representatives for the Provincial Assembly regional convention. The number of representatives depends on how many active members are in a particular ward. In areas with at least 150 active members, 15 representatives are chosen—this includes three women, six from the open category, and six from a reservation system designed to ensure inclusivity. The ward president is automatically included as a representative, bringing the total to 16. If a ward has more than 150 active members, six additional representatives are added for every 100 extra members, including two women.

From there, the elected representatives move on to the municipal and district conventions, where they vote for leadership positions at those levels. The process continues with the Provincial Assembly Regional Conventions, which take place across 330 regions in Nepal. Each regional convention selects 16 representatives for the Provincial Convention, and the president of each constituency is automatically included in the selection.

At the next stage, representatives from the Provincial Assembly regions participate in the House of Representatives (HoR) constituency conventions, where a more refined leadership structure takes shape. These conventions appoint the House of Representatives Regional Working Committees and are responsible for selecting representatives for the Central Convention.

The 165 HoR constituency conventions play a key role in shaping the Central Convention. From each of these conventions, 25 representatives are selected, including 14 from open competition (four of whom must be women) and 10 from a proportional system. Additionally, the president of each HoR constituency is automatically included as a representative.

What Are the Roles of the Central Convention and the Central Working Committee?

The Central Convention is the final stage of the process, where representatives elect the party’s top leadership and form the Central Working Committee (CWC). This committee is the highest decision-making body in the party and is responsible for guiding the party’s policies, strategies, and electoral preparations.

The CWC is composed of 167 members, including a president, two vice presidents, two general secretaries, and eight joint general secretaries. These joint general secretaries come from diverse backgrounds, including women, Aadibasi Janajati, Dalits, Madhesis, Khas Aarya, Tharu, Muslims, and representatives from remote areas. The committee also includes a treasurer, who is recommended by the president and approved by the CWC.

Beyond these core leadership positions, the CWC also includes 35 members elected through open competition, with nine seats reserved for women. Additionally, each of Nepal’s seven provinces elects three representatives, including at least one woman. There are also reserved seats for Dalits, Aadibasi Janajati, Khas Aarya, Madhesis, Tharu, Muslims, people from remote areas, and individuals with disabilities or from minority communities. Once the general elections are completed, the newly elected president has the authority to appoint 33 additional members to the committee, ensuring that at least one-third of the total members are women.

Why Is the Nepali Congress General Convention Process Important?

The Nepali Congress General Convention is more than just a routine party election—it is a battleground for power and influence that will determine the party’s future direction. The outcome of this convention will decide how many new faces will join the Central Committee, whether the current leadership will maintain its grip on power, and which factions will gain or lose influence within the party.

This is particularly important as Nepal prepares for the next round of national elections. The timing and results of the General Convention will impact how the party selects its candidates for local, provincial, and national elections. If the convention takes place before the elections, a new leadership could reshape the party’s electoral strategy. If it is delayed, the existing leadership will retain control over candidate selection, which could consolidate power among the current officeholders and their loyalists.

With growing factional tensions and leadership struggles, the General Convention is being closely watched across Nepal’s political spectrum. Its outcome could redefine the party’s role in national politics and influence the country’s governance for years to come.

When and where have the General Conventions of the Nepali Congress been held, and who were elected as party presidents from the first to the 14th convention?

The General Convention of the Nepali Congress has played a crucial role in shaping the party’s leadership, policies, and organizational structure. Since its inception, the convention has served as the highest decision-making body, electing presidents, central committees, and setting the party’s direction. Over the years, it has reflected the party’s struggles, achievements, and internal transformations.

The first General Convention of the Nepali Congress was held in Bhawanipur, Kolkata, on January 25 and 26, 1947. At the time, Tanka Prasad Acharya was the president, while BP Koirala served as the acting president. This convention laid the foundation for the party’s future political movements and organizational structure.

Following this, the second General Convention took place in Banaras on February 2 and 3, 1948, where BP Koirala was elected as the party’s president. The leadership transition continued with the third General Convention, held in Darbhanga, India, from March 1 to 3, 1949, where Matrika Prasad Koirala took over as president. He was re-elected at the fourth General Convention in Kolkata, India, on April 8 and 9, 1950, leading the party through a critical phase of Nepal’s democratic struggle.

As democracy took root in Nepal, the fifth General Convention was held in Janakpur, where BP Koirala was once again re-elected as president. This was followed by the sixth General Convention in Birgunj from January 23 to 27, 1956, where leadership shifted to Subarna Shamsher Rana. However, BP Koirala returned to the top position at the Special General Convention in Biratnagar on May 23 and 24, 1957 and continued his influence in party politics.

The seventh General Convention, held in Kathmandu from May 7 to 13, 1960, reaffirmed Koirala’s leadership at a time when the party was in power. However, following King Mahendra’s coup and the ban on political parties, the Nepali Congress faced a long period of suppression.

After the restoration of multi-party democracy, the eighth General Convention was held in Jhapa from February 19 to 21, 1992, electing Krishna Prasad Bhattarai as president. The ninth General Convention, held in Kathmandu from May 8 to 12, 1996, saw Girija Prasad Koirala take charge. His leadership continued through the 10th General Convention, held in Pokhara from January 19 to 23, 2001, and the 11th General Convention, held in Kathmandu from August 17 to 20, 2005.

The 12th General Convention, held in Kathmandu from September 17 to 21, 2010, brought Sushil Koirala to the presidency, marking a shift in leadership within the party. The 13th General Convention, held in Kathmandu from March 3 to 6, 2016, elected Sher Bahadur Deuba as president, leading the party through a period of internal challenges and national elections.

The 14th General Convention of the Nepali Congress took place from December 13 to 15, 2021, at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu. In this convention, delegates of the Nepali Congress Party re-elected Sher Bahadur Deuba as the party president, reaffirming his leadership for another term.