The Nepali Congress, the country’s oldest democratic party, began the closed session of its 15th National General Convention today, Monday, October 5, 2026, in Kathmandu. The convention, which commenced on Sunday, October 4, 2026, also saw the release of a detailed election schedule for the party’s new leadership, with voting set for Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The closed session, which began after a Central Committee meeting held at Khullamanch this morning, will feature the presentation of several key reports. Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa is scheduled to present his political report, outlining the party’s vision and policy directions. General Secretaries Pradip Paudel and Gururaj Ghimire will present a report on constitution amendment, while Treasurer Umesh Shrestha will deliver the financial report. Additionally, Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma is expected to present a contemporary policy report. More than 7,000 delegates are participating in the general convention, which is being held across three halls.
Key Policy Proposals and Reports
President Thapa’s political report includes several significant proposals aimed at reforming Nepal’s political landscape. These include a constitutional provision to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to two terms, the introduction of a ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option in elections, and granting voting rights to Nepalis residing abroad. His report also advocates for making the electoral system more participatory and transparent.
The constitution amendment report by General Secretaries Paudel and Ghimire is expected to address structural reforms within the party, including discussions on ensuring representation for youth under 35 years old in the Central Committee. Youth leader Binita Khadka, who announced her candidacy for a Central Committee position, has put forth a four-point resolution to modernize the party. Her proposals include making sister and benevolent organizations agile, transparent, and technology-friendly; institutionalizing the experience of senior leaders while empowering youth in policymaking; creating a worker-centric party; and regaining public trust through innovative policies.
Detailed Election Schedule
The Nepali Congress Central Election Committee, through its Member Secretary Raju Katuwal, has released a comprehensive election timetable for the central working committee. The election process will officially begin today, Monday, October 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM, with the publication of the voter list. Claims and objections regarding the voter list can be filed until 6:30 PM, followed by a review of claims and objections until 7:30 PM, after which the final voter list will be published at 8:30 PM.
Candidacy nominations are scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 6, 2026 (Ashoj 20 BS), from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The final list of candidates will be published on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (Ashoj 21 BS), at 10:00 AM, following a withdrawal period for candidacies until 9:00 AM. Candidates will be allowed to campaign throughout the day on Wednesday.
Voting for the new leadership will take place on Thursday, October 8, 2026 (Ashoj 22 BS), from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The election committee confirmed that traditional paper ballots will be used instead of electronic voting.
Voting Logistics and What’s Next
Three polling centers have been designated for the delegates. Representatives from Bagmati Province will cast their votes at Rastriya Sabha Griha. Delegates from Koshi Province, Madhesh Province, Karnali Province, Sudurpashchim Province, as well as those from sister and benevolent organizations and public relations committees, will vote at Khullamanch. Pragya Bhawan will serve as the polling center for representatives from Gandaki Province and Lumbini Province. Vote counting will commence after the conclusion of polling.
This general convention follows the 14th General Convention held in January 2026, where Gagan Thapa was elected President, succeeding former President Sher Bahadur Deuwa. The current convention is seen as a crucial platform for generational change and leadership transition within Nepali politics. The discussions on the presented reports will continue, shaping the party’s policies, programs, and political roadmap for the next five years.
