Dispute in the National Health Workers' Federation Election: UML Interference in the Selection of President

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu – Although new leadership has been selected from the fifth general convention of the National Health Workers’ Federation Nepal, which is affiliated with the CPN-UML, the election process has been dragged into controversy.

Dr. Santosh Poudel was announced as the unanimously elected president during the convention, but the Election Committee has stated that there were procedural errors and has suspended the election.

The controversy escalated due to the active involvement of UML leaders Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal and Krishna Gopal Shrestha in the convention. They are accused of interfering in the election process and distributing positions among their favored candidates.

Announced New Leadership:

• President: Dr. Santosh Poudel

• Vice Presidents: Ramhari Dhakal (Open Category) and Amrita Baral (Female Category)

• General Secretary: Bhimraj Singh

• Deputy General Secretary: Khag Raj Pokharel

• Secretaries: Rupa KC, Anup Singh Kshetri, Chandra Bahadur Sunar, Harindra Yada

Election Committee’s Objection:
In an official statement, the election committee said:

“Despite repeated requests for time under the pretext of reaching consensus, in the end, the names of office bearers were unilaterally announced without informing the election committee. Such actions are against the statutes of both the federation and the party. Therefore, the remaining election process has been suspended for now.”

What Happened at the General Convention?

• Initially, the names of nine office bearers were announced.

• Delegates present at the venue rejected this announcement.

• The election committee then began the formal election process.

• However, members of the presidium allegedly pressured the committee and made unilateral decisions again.

What is the Current Situation?

• The election committee has refused to issue certificates to the announced office bearers.

• The process has been declared invalid, and the committee has suspended further proceedings until further notice.