Kathmandu: Representatives of the 11th National Congress of the CPN (UML) are set to cast their votes today to elect the party’s new leadership, including office-bearers and members of the central committee.

Electronic Voting Arrangements
According to Dr Bijaya Subba, Chairperson of the UML Central Election Commission, voting will take place this afternoon using electronic voting machines. A total of 80 machines have been arranged for the purpose.

Laxman Rimal, Managing Director of Ram Laxman Innovation Pvt. Ltd., informed that the process of entering candidates’ names into the system is ongoing. He noted that the large number of candidates could cause some delay in the start of voting.

Candidates and Positions
Aspirant candidates registered their nominations on Monday, and the final list of candidates and voters was released the same day. The 11th National Congress will elect a new 301-member central committee.

For the top post of chairperson, incumbent KP Sharma Oli and Senior Vice-Chairperson Ishwar Pokharel are contesting.

Similarly:
Vice-Chairperson: 11 candidates for five posts
General Secretary: Shankar Pokhrel and Surendra Pandey
Deputy General Secretary: Seven candidates
Secretary: 20 candidates for nine posts

Voting Schedule and Venue
As per the schedule, voting will be held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, with preparations made to begin from 4:00 pm. A total of 2,262 representatives are eligible to vote in the National Congress.

The election outcome is expected to shape the party’s leadership and direction in the coming years.