CPN-UML Leadership Election Enters Final Phase as Voting Nears Completion

The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) is in the final stages of electing its new leadership during its 11th General Convention. According to the party’s election commission, the voting process is expected to conclude shortly, with the vast majority of delegates having already cast their ballots.

As of 4:00 AM on Thursday, approximately 2,100 votes had been recorded. With a total of 2,263 eligible representatives, only 163 delegates remain to cast their votes. The election commission issued a notice requiring all remaining voters to enter the polling station by 5:00 AM to ensure the process remains on schedule.

The election utilizes Ram-Laxman electronic voting machines to facilitate a more efficient counting process. Voting officially commenced at 9:12 AM on Wednesday. Despite the lengthy duration of the polling period, the transition to electronic systems is intended to provide a more accurate and timely result for the high-stakes leadership race.

The election features a significant contest for the party’s top positions. Current Chairman KP Sharma Oli and Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokharel are competing for leadership roles, each supported by their respective panels of candidates for various committee positions.

The outcome of this vote will determine the strategic direction of the CPN-UML for the coming term. Once the final ballots are cast, the election commission is expected to begin the digital tallying process immediately, with official results anticipated later today.