Kathmandu, Nov 25: CPN-UML Senior Vice-Chair Ishwar Pokharel on Tuesday formally announced his candidacy for the party’s top post, signaling an internal push for leadership transition and organizational reform within Nepal’s main opposition party.
Pokharel declared his bid through a public statement, saying he had decided to contest the chairmanship after “accepting the requests and suggestions” from party members across the country who, he said, were seeking restructuring and transformation within UML.
“I am committed to developing the CPN (UML) into a decisive national force through collective leadership and initiative,” Pokharel said, adding that responsibilities within the party should be assigned based on the qualifications and capacities of its cadres.
In a notable move, Pokharel also urged incumbent chairman KP Sharma Oli to facilitate a smooth leadership handover. He expressed hope that Oli — who has led the party for years — would “respect the principles of internal democracy he himself has championed” and play a constructive role in the transition.
Pokharel’s announcement comes amid growing discussions within UML about generational shifts and organizational renewal ahead of the party’s upcoming general convention.
