KATHMANDU: More than a year after the formation of the Constituent Assembly (CA), the Nepali Congress (NC) has announced the date for its Parliamentary Party (PP) elections. The polls, which will elect the PP leader and deputy leader among others, will be held on June 20. As of now, NC president Girija Prasad Koirala has been doubling up as the PP leader. The upcoming elections have generated huge interest both within and outside the party. Three senior leaders — Sher Bahadur Deuba, Ram Chandra Paudel and KB Gurung — are in the fray. Sources maintained that Koirala would not contest. In case he changes his mind at the last moment, chances are high that he will not be elected unopposed. The NC, in a break from the past, is trying to infuse intra-party democracy to elect its top brass. Though Deuba appears to be a front-runner, it is likely to be a keen contest. However, he needs to bag 51 per cent of the votes, which translates to 58 of the 114 PP members. Sources claimed that 41 lawmakers are supporting him. But, it is still 17 short of the magic figure. If no candidate secures a clear majority, then there will be a face-off between the top two. And, the votes garnered by the third contestant will be a key in the by-elections. It is being conjectured that Deuba may pull out if he perceives that his prospects are bleak. Sources said that Koirala would adopt a non-partisan role. But, all three candidates are bending over backwards to woo him. The support of acting president Sushil Koirala will also play a crucial role. A section within the party claimed that he would act behind the scenes to strengthen his position, which may enable him to win the succession battle — the thorny issue will be settled during the upcoming General Convention (GC). He may extend conditional support to Deuba, who in turn, may pledge to help him become the next NC president. But, such a scenario is unlikely since Deuba has already anointed himself as GP Koirala’s successor. While, Sushil Koirala is unlikely to support Paudel since the latter may pose a threat to him in the GC.