Election Commission recognizes Gagan Thapa as Congress President

Kathamandu- In a significant political development, the Election Commission (EC) has officially decided to recognize the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee led by Gagan Thapa.

The Commission’s decision comes after extensive discussions held on Friday with representatives from both rival factions of the party. According to the EC, Thapa has been officially recognized as the party President following an update of the party’s records under Section 51 of the Political Parties Act.

Background of the dispute
The leadership shift follows a “Special General Convention” organized by the Thapa-led faction from January 11 to 12 at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu. This convention resulted in the formation of a new Central Working Committee headed by Thapa.

On Thursday, a team of office bearers led by Thapa filed a formal application at the Election Commission, submitting all legal documents and details pertaining to the Special General Convention.

The commission’s decision
The ruling followed a high-level meeting on Friday afternoon chaired by Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari. While the Thapa faction was presenting its case, the rival faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba also reached the Commission on Friday to stake their claim for legitimacy.

After evaluating the submissions and conducting a dialogue with the Thapa-led team regarding the procedures of the Special General Convention, the Commission ruled in favor of Thapa’s leadership.

Official statements
Nepali Congress spokesperson Debraj Chalise confirmed that they have been notified of the Commission’s decision. “The Commission has informed us that they have granted official recognition to the newly elected CWC led by Gagan Thapa. Our representative is currently on the way to receive the formal letter,” Chalise told reporters.

The Commission’s move to update the party’s register effectively shifts the legal control of the country’s largest Democratic Party, marking a major turning point in Nepali politics.