Thapa’s election as president and Sharma’s unopposed rise as senior vice-president mark a generational shift, but the pair inherit a party still divided by factional rivalries and an entrenched political culture.

Thapa secures 6,584 votes against 375 for rival Shyam Krishna Khadgi, winning by a margin of 6,209 votes.

A crowded field and late finalisation of candidate list delayed ballot printing and frustrated delegates eager to return to home districts for Dashain.

The convention is electing the party president, office-bearers and central committee members under a reshaped structure that expands its size and sets aside seats for youth.

Thapa faces two challengers for party presidency. The race for 25 office-bearer positions is testing his efforts to bring together factions divided over special convention.

Central committee also decides to increase general secretaries to three and joint general secretaries to 13.

Nepali Congress president Gagan Thapa calls for a break with the politics of recurring power struggles, while opposition leaders question the government’s approach to Parliament and democracy.

As he seeks re-election, the Nepali Congress president outlines his vision for a party that goes beyond elections and power to become a broader social movement.

Move comes amid growing pressure to give younger leaders and women a bigger say in the party’s decision-making process.

The debate centres on how the grand old party should adapt BP Koirala’s socialist principles to changing political and economic realities.

Deuba’s camp will begin its ward conventions on October 1 and hold a central convention in December as the Supreme Court review of the leadership dispute remains pending.

At least 13,483 people under 35 are guaranteed places in party committees from the ward to the central level, with more young members winning leadership posts through open competition.

The first stage of the 15th general convention has brought thousands of women, youth and Dalits into local party structures. The party’s rival faction led by former chief Deuba is preparing for a parallel convention.

The Balendra Shah government tasked a panel with preparing for amendments but the effort did not gain support of all political forces.

Leaders broadly defend the charter’s gains but differ over whether the priority should be implementation, review or amendment.