The Nepali Congress today began distributing candidacy forms and registering nominations for its 15th General Convention, where 7,114 delegates will elect new leadership. The process, taking place at the National Assembly Hall (Rastriya Sabhagriha) in Kathmandu, marks a crucial step in shaping the future direction of Nepal’s socialist-democratic political party.
According to Raju Katwal, member-secretary of the party’s Election Committee, nomination forms have been available to candidates since 10 am. Candidates are required to pay a prescribed fee to Prabhu Bank, a commercial bank in Nepal, staff stationed inside the hall to obtain a form. The registration of candidacies is scheduled from 10 am to 3 pm today (Tuesday, October 6, 2026).
The convention, which commenced on October 4, 2026, at Khulamanch, saw the adoption of an amended statute yesterday (Monday, October 5, 2026). This amendment significantly expands the party’s Central Working Committee (CWC) from 167 to 297 members and increases the number of office-bearers from 14 to 26. The party stated that the expansion was necessary due to the growing number of delegates and to ensure more inclusive participation.
Under the new structure, the Nepali Congress will have one President, one Senior Vice-President, four Vice-Presidents (with one woman mandatory), three General Secretaries (with one woman mandatory), and fifteen Joint General Secretaries. A Treasurer will be nominated by the President from among the CWC members. The amended statute also adds a spokesperson post.
Candidates vying for the President’s post must pay a fee of Rs 40,000 and secure the support of 10 proposers and 10 supporters. Fees for Vice-President and General Secretary positions are set at Rs 30,000, requiring seven proposers and seven supporters each. Joint General Secretary candidates must pay Rs 20,000 and have five proposers and five supporters, while Central Working Committee members pay Rs 11,000 with three proposers and three supporters.
Background to the Convention
The 15th General Convention follows a period of significant internal transformation within the Nepali Congress. The party’s 14th General Convention in December 2021 saw Sher Bahadur Deuba, former Nepali Congress President, elected as President. However, a “Gen Z movement” in September 2025 spurred debates on generational change within political parties. This led to a special general convention held in January 2026, where Gagan Thapa, the current Nepali Congress President, was elected. The Election Commission and the Supreme Court subsequently upheld Thapa’s leadership. Despite this, former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction has questioned the legality of the special convention and the ongoing 15th General Convention, with a case still pending before the Supreme Court.
What Happens Next
Following today’s registration, the first list of candidates will be published at 4:30 pm, with a second list expected at 7 pm. Tomorrow (Wednesday, October 7, 2026), candidates will have until 9 am to withdraw or amend their candidacies. The final list of candidates will be published at 10 am, allowing the rest of the day for campaigning. Voting is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 7 am to 5 pm, across designated centres at the National Assembly Hall, Khulamanch, and Pragya Bhawan. Vote counting will commence immediately after polling concludes.
President Gagan Thapa’s political report, presented at the convention, highlights proposals for constitutional amendments through due process and broad political consensus, alongside reforms to the electoral system and representation. The amended statute also includes provisions for increased representation from the Madhesi community, with 13 members, including five women, on the Central Working Committee.
Unresolved Issues
The final number of candidates for various positions will become clear only after the nomination registration process concludes. The legal challenge to the convention’s legitimacy by the Deuba faction remains an unresolved issue. Furthermore, disputes regarding the delegate selection process in several constituencies, including Morang-6, Sunsari-4, Sindhupalchok-2, Kavre-2, Dailekh-2, Nuwakot-2, and some public relations committees, are yet to be fully settled.
