The UML had earlier decided to delay the convention by a few weeks as party leaders asked for more time to complete the renewal process and update the 250,000 party members around the globe.

The party then planned to extend its membership renewal, informed UML General Secretary Ishwar Pokhrel.

The meeting further decided to call a Central Committee meeting from April 18-23 to talk through the draft of the workplan prepared by a committee under party Chairman Jhalanath Khanal. The UML plans to send the draft for a nation-wide debate from April 28- May 29.

The Standing Committee has decided on completing the districts conventions by March 29 and selectiing representatives from all over the nation from May 29-June 3. Around 1,800 party representatives and observers will be part of the general convention.

UML is holding its ninth convention in June 7 after the term of the incumbent party leadership expired in March. Parliamentary Party leader KP Sharma Oli and senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal are at the forefront in claiming the post of party chief.