The Nepali Congress, Nepal’s largest social-democratic political party, has rescheduled its 15th General Convention to begin on October 4, 2026, in Kathmandu. The crucial event, initially set for earlier dates, was postponed due to heavy rainfall and floods that affected lower-level party conventions across the country.
The inauguration ceremony of the General Convention will take place at Khulamanch in Kathmandu at 2 PM on October 4. Closed sessions and other programs are scheduled for October 5 and 6, followed by elections on October 7 and 8. Delegate registration is set for October 2 and 3, with the final list of delegates required to be submitted to the central office by October 1.
Nepali Congress spokesperson Devraj Chalise stated on October 1 that preparations for the convention are in their final stages, with guests from various countries already arriving. Approximately 7,000 delegates are expected to participate in the convention.
Political and Economic Stakes
The 15th General Convention is viewed as more than an internal party process; it is a significant event for the restructuring of Nepal’s overall political system. Nearly two decades into the implementation of the federal democratic republic, the state structure faces challenges in stability, effectiveness, and accountability. The convention is expected to bring timely changes in party leadership, policy, and working style, aiming to strengthen democratic practice and redefine accountability towards the state system.
Nepal’s current political landscape is marked by an unstable coalition system, weak policy continuity, and a decline in public trust. Frequent government changes and weaknesses in policy implementation have raised questions about the internal democracy and leadership capacity of major political parties, including the Nepali Congress.
Economically, Nepal is under severe structural pressure, with high trade deficits, excessive reliance on remittances, and a weak industrial base. The import-oriented consumption structure and limited exportable production deepen external dependency, risking economic stability. The convention is expected to formulate deep policies on these issues, presenting practical and long-term economic perspectives beyond electoral slogans.
Internal Party Divisions
The convention takes place amidst a visible divergence within the Nepali Congress between the faction led by party president Gagan Thapa and that of former president Sher Bahadur Deuba. DC Nepal reported on October 1 that the Election Commission and the court have validated the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa as legitimate. Despite this, the Deuba faction is reportedly preparing to hold a separate central general convention from December 7 to 9, 2026.
Spokesperson Chalise expressed efforts to include all factions, suggesting a possibility that Gagan Thapa could become the party president unanimously.
Parliamentary Prorogation
In a related development, President Ramchandra Paudel prorogued the ongoing session of the federal parliament, effective from midnight on October 2, 2026. This decision was made to facilitate the foreign travel of Speaker Dolprasad Aryal and Federal Parliament Secretary General Padam Prasad Pandey.
While preparations are underway, the full details of leaders who will contest for leadership positions are yet to be publicly disclosed. Similarly, a clear framework for the policy agendas to be discussed at the convention and how they will address current political and economic challenges remains to be seen. The impact of the parallel convention preparations by the Deuba faction on the party’s internal unity also awaits further clarity.
