The secretariat of one of Nepal’s main opposition parties, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), or UML, held an emergency meeting today due to deepening factional divisions within the party. The meeting held behind the doors at the party’s central office in Kathmandu continued for over six hours as the leaders struggled over factional problems and policies.
Party Chairman KP Sharma Oli began the meeting by appealing to the members for unity and discipline stressing that no one should be eyeing their personal positions at the expense of the party’s best interest. However, insiders attending the meeting witnessed furious exchanges between supporters of the PM Oli and those in the camp of different factions.
One of the contentious issues was on the party’s approach towards the by-elections in certain parliamentary seats. Some of the leaders advocated for coalition with other opposition parties while others supported independent candidature for UML. The meeting could not come to a consensus on this particular matter and the decision has been moved to a bigger central committee meeting in the next one month.
Another contentious issue was the continuous probe into embezzlement of cooperative funds charges that involved several UML members. Some leaders wanted the party to be more aggressive in defending the accused while others wanted the party to expel the person in question. The secretariat also agreed to draw a task force to look at the cases and advise the party position.
The meeting also discussed an issue of centralization of power in the hand of Chairman Oli. Some of the members suggested changes to shift power from the centre and delegate it to the provincial and local committees. Even though, according to some sources, Oli did not want to make significant changes, he agreed on a few amendments to leave the critics satisfied.
Another issue of concern was international relations where some leaders wanted to strengthen their relations with China while others were pushing for the middle ground. The party was, however, very clear with its stand on the issue reaffirming its support for an independent foreign policy that is anchored on national interests.
Even as the details of the heated meeting leaked out, UML activists assembled at the party offices with one group shouting support for the current leadership and another group shouting against the same. Law enforcement was also called in to avoid possible riots but no cases of violence were recorded.
Political observers opine that the result of the secretariat meeting will decide whether the UML remains united in the coming general election or not. That is why some analysts believe that, if the internal conflicts are not solved, the party could experience a schism.
The internal problem of UML arises at the time when the ruling coalition led by Nepali Congress party also has problems. Since both major political forces are plagued by factionalism, Nepals’ political future remains unpredictable.
When the meeting was over, UML spokesperson Pradeep Gyawali said to the media that the party has come out more united and focused on its ideals. However, since there is no clear and definitive resolution on the main issues, there is a sign that rivalry is still active.
