Kathmandu, October 12

The presidential race of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has begun as the aspirants to lead the organisation for the next term have intensified their campaign with the date of the election nearing.

NRNA is going to elect a new 39-member executive committee, which is also called International Coordination Council (ICC), on Monday.

Two candidates have announced their candidacy for the top post of the organisation. Incumbent Vice President Bhaban Bhatta and Jamuna Gurung have announced their candidacy for NRNA president (2017 to 2019). Bhatta had announced his candidacy few weeks back and Gurung announced her candidacy today.

Gurung is the spouse of current President Shesh Ghale, who served as NRNA president for two consecutive tenures. Ghale and Gurung are listed as the 101st richest in Australia.

While announcing her candidacy here today, Gurung said that she will continue the works initiated by past NRNA leaders and connect each Nepali living abroad.

Likewise, Bhatta has said that if elected, he will take forward the organisation through medium-term and long-term plans and work to transform NRNA into ‘smart NRNA’ during his tenure.

NRNA has its network in 78 countries across the globe and comprises 65,000 members. Delegates from various countries have been arriving in the Capital to choose their leader for the next tenure and also take part in the global conference, which is scheduled from Saturday.

NRNA Secretariat has expected that around 2,000 delegates will take part in the election.