Nine popular CPN-UML leaders who quit politics

 

The 11th National Convention of the CPN–UML is set to elect new leadership. After party chair KP Sharma Oli reversed the provisions of a two-term limit and the 70-year age cap—both of which he himself had amended—Ishwar Pokhrel has emerged as a challenger for the post of chair. While such competition for positions continues, nine prominent UML leaders have announced their retirement from active party politics.

They have taken this step to establish the narrative that national development and politics do not require the same individuals to remain in power indefinitely, and to apply moral pressure on leaders who aggressively cling to positions. Among the leaders retiring from active UML politics are Vice Chairs Yubaraj Gyawali and Ashta Laxmi Shakya, along with Keshav Badal, Chair of the Central Discipline Commission, making a total of nine leaders.

Similarly, Standing Committee member Mukunda Neupane and Politburo members Bhupendra Thapa Magar and Chudamani Jungali have also announced that they will no longer be active in politics. UML central committee members Dalbahadur Rana, Bhim KC, and Ishwori GM have likewise publicly declared voluntary retirement, stating they will not seek leadership roles.

The leaders making these announcements are senior figures who rose to the top of the party after a long political journey—from the struggle against the Panchayat system to the establishment of multiparty democracy, constitution-making, and the federal system. Their departure from active politics has opened the door of opportunity for a new generation.

Candidates for positions in the Central Committee automatically become candidates for open central committee membership. In such cases, voters are allowed to cast votes for both office bearers and members. According to election officials, each voter is expected to take 20 to 25 minutes to vote. Although there are 100 electronic voting machines available, the Election Commission plans to operate only 80 at a time.

There are a total of 2,262 delegates at the convention. Vote counting is expected to take two to three hours, and the results are likely to be announced by the night of Poush 1 or the morning of Poush 2. Once the newly elected Central Committee takes the oath of office, the old Central Committee will automatically be dissolved. Pokhrel is reported to have the support of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari.