“In Democracy, Individual Opinions Don’t Matter; Official Decisions Are Made by the Institution”: Shekhar Koirala

Dr. Shekhar Koirala, a leader of the Nepali Congress, has described those who joined Gagan Thapa’s faction as having left the party on their own. Speaking while visiting the Election Commission to claim official recognition, he stated that the majority of central committee members still remain with the regular faction, and there was technically no need for them to visit the Commission, but media pressure compelled them to do so.

Koirala emphasized that the Election Commission will determine party legitimacy according to democratic procedures. While 40 percent of general convention delegates have the right to call a special convention, the agenda, schedule, and procedures of the special convention must be determined by the central committee. No individual office-bearer has the authority to convene a special convention; official decisions are made by the institution, not individuals.

He said, “I don’t think we even needed to come here, but the media compelled us. This situation has arisen for the country and for Nepali Congress. Decisions will be made according to democratic procedures. The constitution allows 40 percent of delegates to call a convention, but the agenda, schedule, and procedures must be set by the central committee. The central committee is fully present here. Some may have left, but the entire central committee is present. No one individual or office-bearer has the authority; the party constitution grants it to the institution. We will also present the signatures of those delegates who withdrew from the convention as evidence.”

Koirala confirmed that 885 delegates who had attended the special convention have withdrawn and submitted their signatures to the party office as proof, which the party has submitted to the Election Commission.

—News Agency Nepal