Kathmandu: Most central committee members of the Nepali Congress have stressed the need to hold a regular general convention, amid internal debate over whether to organize a regular or special one.

During the ongoing central committee meeting at the party’s central office, several members argued that a regular convention would be the appropriate course to address both organizational and political challenges.

Party spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat said members presented their views on the country’s political crisis, upcoming election security, and the party’s convention timeline. However, he did not specify when the general convention will take place, even though it must be held by the end of Mangsir, as the current working committee’s four-year term will then expire.

Tensions surfaced as the establishment faction reportedly did not allow General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa to present his proposed plan for the convention. Thapa has stated that if a regular general convention cannot be organized, a special convention should be held instead—also aligning with the aspirations of the Gen-G movement and the upcoming Falgun 21 national elections.

According to Dr. Mahat, 54 percent of general convention delegates have already submitted signatures demanding a regular or special convention.

Members also raised concerns about the government’s inability to ensure election security, expressing fears about maintaining peace and order in rural areas. Nonetheless, some voiced optimism that the government would create a conducive environment for fair and peaceful elections.

The issue of parliament restoration was also discussed, with some members calling it a possible solution to the ongoing political deadlock.

Dr. Mahat summarized, “There is a national crisis, and members are concerned about how to rise above it. Most believe that a regular general convention should be held and that national elections must be the party’s current priority.”