Two days post the Nepali Congress’s seismic split, Nepal’s Election Commission on January 17 stamped approval on Gagan Thapa’s leadership, citing a valid special general convention. Jubilation swept Thapa’s supporters, but Sher Bahadur Deuba’s camp retaliated with threats of countrywide sit-ins and potential legal volleys.
Chaired by Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, the panel’s majority decision brushed aside one dissenter. It leaned on three constitutional tenets: delegates’ 40% threshold to summon a convention, exercised legitimately against central inaction; delegates as the ultimate authority; and zero formal pushback to the event.
Thapa responded promptly that evening, thanking the commission for its ‘lawful ruling’ and imploring party unity. ‘This aligns perfectly with our constitution,’ he stated, vowing leadership to rebuild while respectfully nodding to Deuba and calling for collective backing.
Deuba’s group, seething with discontent, fast-tracked a central committee meeting to Saturday at Lalitpur’s party office and reiterated protest plans. The commission extended an option: register independently if alignment with Thapa proves untenable.
Experts foresee sharpened rifts in national politics, with the Congress at the epicenter. March elections hang in balance should Deuba pursue courts, possibly stalling key processes and fragmenting opposition strength.
This episode highlights Nepal’s intricate party mechanics, where rules collide with personalities. Thapa’s win may herald reformist winds, but Deuba’s resistance ensures turbulence. Stakeholders watch closely as the drama unfolds, with implications for governance stability and electoral integrity in the region.