Kathmandu: The ongoing special general convention of the Nepali Congress has effectively turned into an electoral contest, with party leaders confirming that preparations are underway to select new policy direction and leadership through an election if talks fail.

Talks Continue, Election Process Stays Intact
Special General Convention Publicity Sub-Committee Coordinator Subash Pokhrel said the establishment faction is making last-minute efforts for dialogue, and the convention schedule has been adjusted keeping that possibility in mind.

“Our election schedule remains unchanged. There are efforts from the other side to hold talks, which we respect. But if no agreement is reached, our program will move forward,” Pokhrel said.

Addressing a press conference at the media center of the convention venue on Tuesday evening, Pokhrel made it clear that supporters of the special general convention would proceed with elections to select the leadership if consensus is not achieved by Tuesday night.

Deuba Unwilling to Relinquish Leadership: Pokhrel
Pokhrel claimed that while the establishment side has shown readiness to take ownership of the special general convention, party President Sher Bahadur Deuba is unwilling to step aside from leadership.

“This is unacceptable to us,” he said, adding that only the electoral process now remains as the way forward.

He further remarked that Deuba should relinquish party leadership and dedicate the rest of his life to documenting the party’s history and his political journey.

Closed Session Concludes, Election Preparations Begin
The closed session of the special general convention concluded on Tuesday evening with the endorsement of the organizational and political reports presented by General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma.

Meanwhile, leaders backing the special general convention have also begun preparing a draft list of office-bearers.

Nomination Schedule Extended
While keeping the door open for talks on Wednesday morning, the election process is also moving forward as per a revised schedule. Senior Advocate Sitaram KC, Coordinator of the Central Election Committee, said the time for nomination registration has been extended from 8:15 am to 9:15 am.

Although the special general convention, which began on Sunday, was initially scheduled to conclude on Monday, it has now been extended until Wednesday.

Delegates Demand Quick Conclusion
General convention delegates who arrived from various districts have expressed dissatisfaction over the extension, staging protests and demanding a swift conclusion of the convention.

They stated that they want to see Gagan Thapa assume party leadership and insisted that no compromise should be made on that demand.