The CPN-UML has set stricter eligibility criteria for delegates at its upcoming Second Statute Convention. Only those who served as delegates at the party’s 10th General Convention will be allowed to vote at this event.
This decision was finalized during a late-night secretariat meeting on Thursday. Vice General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali confirmed that no delegates will be nominated. As a result, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who recently rejoined active politics with UML, will be excluded from delegate participation. The convention is scheduled from September 5 to 7 in Godavari, Lalitpur.
Other appointed—rather than elected—central committee members, including Standing Committee member Mukunda Neupane, will also be barred from voting. However, Gyawali noted they may attend in an organizing capacity without voting rights.
Leadership Expansion and Membership Categories
The party has decided to expand its leadership team. The number of office bearers will increase to 15, and the central committee will grow to 251 members, up from an earlier proposal of 11 office bearers and 199 committee members by Vice Chair Bishnu Poudel.
The central committee will now operate solely under the Standing Committee, with the secretariat stepping back from executive duties. UML will maintain a three-tier leadership structure: the central committee, politburo, and standing committee.
Additionally, UML introduced a two-level membership system, distinguishing general members from organized members. General members include supporters and those connected to affiliated organizations, while organized members demonstrate consistent active involvement.
These reforms reflect UML’s efforts to enhance discipline, increase participation, and streamline its organizational framework ahead of the Statute Convention.
