News Summary
Reviewed Content.
- The CPN-UML Secretariat meeting will be held on May 18 at 3 PM at the residence of party president KP Sharma Oli in Gundhusithi, Bhaktapur.
- UML leader Jhapat Bahadur Rawal has demanded a candid review of the election defeat and party restructuring.
- The Secretariat meeting should decide to convene the Central Committee meeting immediately and ensure leadership accountability.
May 18, Kathmandu – The CPN-UML Secretariat is set to convene a meeting today at 3 PM at the residence of party president KP Sharma Oli in Gundhusithi, Bhaktapur. Ahead of the meeting, party leaders have urged for an immediate Central Committee meeting.
UML leader Jhapat Bahadur Rawal expressed concern that despite two and a half months having passed since the general election on February 3, 2026 (Falgun 21, 2082 BS), no formal party review or Central Committee meeting has taken place. He stated that this delay has caused serious disappointment and suspicion not only within the UML but also among leaders, activists, and well-wishers nationwide.
Highlighting the unprecedented electoral defeat and resulting silence within the party ranks, Rawal presented four key agenda items that should be addressed in the Secretariat meeting.
1. Ruthless Review of the Election Defeat
The first and mandatory agenda must be a deep and candid examination of the humiliating loss suffered in the general election. The leadership must explain why there was a large discrepancy between the popular votes they claimed to have and the actual results. It is critical to identify where the policies, ideology, and electoral strategies faltered. Without clear answers to these questions, the party cannot move forward. Prioritizing technical matters or internal divisions while neglecting the core political failures and causes of defeat would be inappropriate.
2. Demand for Party Restructuring in Policy and Leadership
The election result reflects a rejection of the party’s traditional style and current organizational structure. Therefore, the May 18 meeting must produce a concrete plan for party restructuring. There is a need to courageously embrace organizational transformation incorporating the ideas of the new generation and public sentiments. Millions of honest party workers nationwide clearly demand that past mistakes must not be repeated.
3. Leadership Accountability and Moral Responsibility
Accountability, criticism, and self-criticism are vital elements of a communist party. The primary political and moral responsibility for the election defeat lies with party president KP Sharma Oli. As the leader responsible for policy formation, candidate selection, and electoral strategy, he bears the main responsibility for the defeat. President Oli should provide clear answers to the party and activists, accept responsibility, and demonstrate the courage for transformational self-criticism.
4. Immediate Decision to Convene the Central Committee Meeting
The Secretariat itself is not the highest decision-making body; its role is to set the agenda and environment for the Central Committee meeting. Accordingly, the May 18 Secretariat meeting must decide to immediately call the long-postponed Central Committee meeting. Instead of limiting debate to the few leaders on the Secretariat, the voices of leaders from all sectors must be heard to open the path for inclusive party restructuring.
Millions of UML activists are currently engulfed in confusion and disappointment. The May 18 Secretariat meeting will determine whether this disillusionment is transformed into positive energy or frustration. This outcome depends on the leadership’s approach and integrity. Attempting to divert attention from key political issues through a focus on technical agendas will only deepen the party’s crisis.
As a Central Committee member carrying the sentiments of the activists, I strongly urge that no further delay is possible. We must quickly proceed to review and restructuring agendas to breathe new life into UML.
