CPN-UML-aligned ANNFSU's general convention begins

Kathmandu, February 11

The three-day 22nd national general convention of All Nepal National Free Students Union aligned to CPN-UML began today at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu.

The general convention was scheduled to begin from February 10 but was postponed due to the sudden demise of Nepali Congress president and former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.

The convention was inaugurated by CPN-UML Chairperson and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Inaugurating the general convention, PM Oli said, “The new leadership should be able to drive the union in a new way by tackling existing challenges.”

He stated that it would be best if the leadership is chosen through consensus.

“It would be very appreciable if candidates vying for various posts reach consensus on new leadership.

If this is not possible, there should be healthy competition between the contenders,” he said. PM Oli also stressed the need for holding Free Student Union polls without further delay.

Speaking at the programme, UML senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal said, “Students should pay attention towards gaining quality education as only educated human resources can develop the country.

He urged candidates vying for various posts to maintain a healthy competition during the election for new leadership of the union.

Rabindra Adhikari, student in-charge of the CPN-UML said they had set a code of conduct to ensure healthy competition in the election. “If any contender is found violating the code of conduct, their nominations will be scrapped,” he added.

Similarly, other leaders also expressed their best wishes for the convention. The closed session of the convention will be held tomorrow, while the election for various posts will be held on Saturday.

The national general convention will elect a president, four vice presidents and a general secretary through open competition.

Similarly, out of seven secretaries, four secretaries will be elected through open competition, while the remaining three will be nominated.

Apart from this, chiefs of three committees, 17-member standing committee and a 141-member central committee will be elected during the convention.

Currently two panels close to PM Oli and senior leader Nepal are contending for the leadership.

Nabina Lama, general secretary, is contending for the post of chairperson from Oli panel while Deepak Gautam, vice president, is contending for the same post from Nepal panel.