UML does not have a culture of generational power transfer

Every 10 years, we should review the constitution in order to reflect the aspirations of the people. However, the changes must not be forced from the streets.

Three-time prime minister KP Sharma Oli was re-elected to the post of CPN-UML’s chair through the party’s 11th general convention last week. Of the 19 officebearers voted in by more than 2,200 convention delegates, 17 were from Oli’s panel. Only Gokarna Bista (vice-chair) and Yogesh Bhattarai (deputy general secretary) were elected from the dissident panel led by Ishwar Pokhrel. Separately, the party is still hesitant to internalise the spirit of the Gen Z movement. The Post ’s Biken K Dawadi sat down with newly-elected UML vice-chair Bista to discuss the result of the general convention, shortcomings in the convention delegates selection process, generational power transfer in the party, UML’s stance on upcoming elections and more.