UML Leadership Vote Underway at Critical Crossroads Ahead of Falgun 21 Election

At the 11th National General Convention of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), delegates are actively casting their ballots today to elect the party’s new leadership; a pivotal moment for one of Nepal’s major political parties. The long-anticipated internal poll, delayed by technical issues with electronic voting machines and rescheduled from Tuesday, is now underway at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, with delegates participating in a structured process managed by the party’s election commission.

A total of 2,263 delegates are voting to fill more than 300 leadership positions, including the chairperson and central committee seats, using electronic voting machines installed at the convention venue. The two main contenders for the chairperson post — incumbent KP Sharma Oli and Senior Vice-Chair Ishwar Pokhrel — head rival panels, making this one of the most closely watched internal elections in recent UML history.

The atmosphere at the convention has been charged with anticipation as delegates queue up and mark their ballots in a process expected to take several hours. With votes still being cast and counting yet to begin, the outcome remains uncertain.

This leadership contest comes at a crucial political juncture. The party’s choice of leader — whether continuity under Oli or a shift toward Pokhrel’s camp — could influence UML’s strategy, cohesion, and public appeal in the Falgun 21 general election. Political analysts say that a decisive result might help the party project unity and sharpen its electoral messaging, while a closely contested outcome could reflect broader fault lines within UML’s ranks. Although the internal vote is separate from the national polls, the new leadership’s direction on alliances, campaign priorities, and responses to recent political challenges will be closely watched by voters and other parties alike. The result may shape how UML positions itself and mobilises support in the crowded electoral landscape leading up to Falgun 21.

As delegates continue to vote, political observers and party supporters remain attentive to developments that could redefine UML’s role on Nepal’s national stage in the months ahead.