The Nepali Congress is electing its president, office-bearers and central working committee members at its 15th general convention, with the party adopting a much larger central committee and separate provisions aimed at increasing youth and inclusive representation.

Here are five key facts about the convention:

1. Who is running for party president?
Gagan Thapa, Kishor Singh Rathore and Shyam Krishna Khadgi are contesting for the party presidency. Thapa was elected president at a special general convention.

2. How many office-bearers are there?
The number of office-bearers has been increased from 14 to 25 as part of efforts to accommodate more leaders. The structure includes five vice-presidents, including a senior vice-president, three general secretaries and 15 joint general secretaries.

3. How are the inclusive joint general secretaries elected?
One joint general secretary will be elected from each of nine categories: Khas Arya, indigenous nationalities, women, Madhesis, Muslims, Tharus, Dalits, the underrepresented geographical region and minorities/people with disabilities. Two additional joint general secretaries will be elected through open competition.

4. How large will the central committee be?
The central working committee will have 297 members, making it the largest in the party’s history. Of these, 211 central committee members will be elected by the general convention, while the president will nominate 66 members.

5. What provisions have been made for young leaders?
Twenty-one seats on the central committee have been reserved for leaders under 35. The party has also guaranteed three youth delegates aged 35 or under from each House of Representatives constituency.

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