KP Sharma Oli has been re-elected as a chairman of CPN-UML for the third consecutive term. His decisive victory at this week’s party convention signals that despite the public backlash following the September 8-9 demonstrations that toppled his government and dissolved the parliament, Oli retains overwhelming support within the party ranks. Of 2227 delegates who voted, he got, 1663 votes—nearly 75 percent—while his challenge Ishwar Pokharel managed only 564.
Addressing the oath taking ceremony Oli said that UML is not a party that is coming to an end, but a vibrant and everlasting party. “The 11th General Convention of the UML has become an answer to those who claimed that old parties are finished. UML is not a party that will disappear; it is a lively and immortal party.”
He stated that the UML is a party made of a special metal and said that the assumptions of those who thought the party would weaken have been proven wrong. “Many hoped that the UML would split; they were even burning incense praying for its split, but their incense will go to waste,” Oli said, adding, “The UML will move forward even stronger.”
