CHITWAN: The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) has elected a new working committee under the leadership of Jagat Baram from its ninth national general convention held here.

Baram, a candidate from a panel constituting an alliance of Nepali Congress, CPN Maoist Centre and other fringe parties defeated Surya Bhujel from the CPN-UML camp.

Baram garnered 31 votes against Bhujel's 23 to become the next NEFIN President.

Meanwhile, Nityananda Tajpuriya of the alliance was elected the General Secretary while Mukunda Pahari was elected the Treasurer.

The general convention which kicked off on Saturday concluded only today as it was marred by disputes.

The NC, Maoist Centre, Federal Socialist Forum, Naya Shakti and Rastriya Prajatantra Party had forged the alliance against UML to win the top post.

With an amended statute, NEFIN's existing 13-member Secretariat has been expanded to the 21-member one, according to NEFIN's outgoing chief Nagendra Kumal.

NEFIN will now have one president, a general secretary and treasurer, eight vice-chairpersons and 10 secretaries.