Nepal’s political arena is electrified by an impending Supreme Court battle over the Nepali Congress’s fractured leadership. Sher Bahadur Deuba’s dominant faction rejected the Election Commission’s Friday endorsement of Gagan Thapa’s team, opting Saturday to seek judicial redress at the earliest.
The Commission’s nod came for the central committee elected in a special general convention (SGC) from January 11-14, bypassing Deuba’s approval entirely. Deuba loyalists argue this flouts Nepal’s constitution, statutes, and party constitution, branding the decision prejudiced.
A press note from the faction directed acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka to file a Supreme Court writ—likely Sunday—challenging the ruling and pursuing all legal avenues. They lambasted the Commission for dismissing their proofs outright.
On the other side, Thapa’s refreshed leadership met Saturday, prioritizing unity for the March 5 elections. Party mouthpiece Devraj Chalise shared that the session implored members to unite, while proposing Deuba assume a mentorship role in their fold.
The urgency stems from the January 20 cutoff for FPTP nominations. Absent a stay order, Thapa’s group will nominate candidates, dealing a blow to Deuba’s camp. Proportional lists are locked in with the Commission.
Breaking down the electoral math: Nepal’s lower house has 275 lawmakers—165 elected directly via FPTP, 110 proportionally. As factions dig in, the Supreme Court’s intervention could either heal or hasten the party’s divisions, influencing the broader democratic contest ahead.