NC’s 10th Conventions
A Look At Some Positive Aspects

By B. M. Dahal

THE 10th General Convention of the ruling Nepali Congress, held in the tourist hub of Pokhara City, has given mandate to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to lead the country’s largest and oldest democratic political party once again. President Koirala, who defeated former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with an overwhelming margin of 429 votes, has come up with a new team to drive the party. Koirala’s victory was expected, as he was successful to keep his promises by giving new momentum to the party organization.

Expectations

Since the new leadership with innovative ideas and commitment has come, the atmosphere of uncertainty and instability that existed in the past is expected to come to an end. Nepali Congress, which has remained in power much longer period of time compared to other political parties after the restoration of the multiparty democracy in the country in 1990, has a great responsibility to towards working for the welfare of the people and the country. It has to give serious thought to do away with the various problems emerged in the country besides consolidating the party organization at all levels.

Koirala, after being reelected to the top post of the President, said that he was happy as the party workers were more organized and disciplined during the General Conference. He also expressed his firm commitment to revitalize the party with the support from all. The views expressed by the former Prime Minister and party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba indicate that he would fully extend support to Koirala to move ahead with the guidelines given by the General Convention.

One of the important aspects of the Pokhara Convention is that it has made some important amendments in the party to make it more democratic and accountable. As per the new provisions, 50 per cent of the total CWC members have been elected through secret voting system by the representatives of the General Convention. The amendment is also expected to be helpful in strengthening the party’s organizational structure. The provision of electing 50 per cent CWC members has given opportunities to the efficient and capable persons, who can win the heart of the party workers, to sail the boat of the party. Moreover, the Central President has been given additional authority to suspend the party workers, who do not adhere to the party discipline.

Other amended provisions include the selection of at least one female representative from each constituency for the General Convention, two terms’ limitation to the Central President and District President of the party, participation of the Dalits in the party organization, development region level party organization, among others. This provision will compel the party workers to work as per the party’s policies and programmes.

There have been frustrations, fears and angers among the genuine workers of the Nepali Congress with the frequent intra-party wrangling and disputes among the leaders and the attacks on the NC supporters and well-wishers by the Maoist insurgents in different parts of the country. Keeping in view these things in mind, the new leadership must work actively to root out such problems. It has to create a conducive environment for the party workers at all levels to carry out their responsibilities in a more effective and efficient manner. The leadership has also to realize that the lack of trust and patience among the NC leaders and activists had paralyzed the party in the past. Learning lessons from the past mistakes, it has to be able to listen to the grievances and complaints of all the party workers. The leadership has also evaluated all the activities done in the past and now they should be ready to correct the mistakes. The party can fully accomplish its set mission only when all the party leaders and workers extend support to the leadership.

Breaching the party discipline has been another growing tendency among the leaders of the party. Due to some persons’ petty interest and selfish ambition, not only the party but also the entire nation has suffered setbacks. Some of the leaders were also accused of having been involved in the corrupt practices. Since such persons’ activities can tarnish the party’s image, all the illegal activities must be discouraged. All the responsible leaders and workers must think that groupism and split-mentality can be beneficial for none. Groupism, the chronic disease of the NC, must come to an end forever if the party is to get support and sympathy from the people.

Need

NC, which has already fought two times for the cause of democracy, must come up with strong commitment for the welfare of the nation. As a political party, which is known as the synonym of democracy, has also the responsibilities to safeguard and contribute to the institutional development of the hard-earned democracy. After the restoration of democracy in 1990, it is NC that has ruled the country for a longer time compared to other political parties. And, it has also been the only political party to win majority in the parliament so far. It is also the party that has to bring the fruit of democracy to the people. Despite the people’s support, the party has yet to work to meet their expectations. So, it has to move ahead with definite plans and programmes for the welfare of both the people and the party.

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