ANNFSU (Revolutionary) Conference: Prachanda calls for election to resolve age limit dispute

Kathmandu, September 30 — Differences emerge over whether to impose an age limit within the All Nepal National Free Students' Union-Revolutionary (ANNFSU-R), a sister wing of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre).

The issue of age limits was debated during the ongoing 23rd National Conference, which began on September 26.

After disagreements arose regarding the age limit, the closed session held on Sunday was unable to reach a conclusion, leading to discussions with party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', on Monday morning.

During the discussions at Prachanda’s residence in Khumaltar, he instructed that the dispute be resolved through the electoral process, as noted by Vice Chair and Spokesperson G.B. Mainali. According to Mainali, preparations are underway to resolve the age limit issue through voting.

“Chairman Prachanda has directed that the age limit dispute be settled through the electoral process. He also urged party members to mobilize in their respective electoral constituencies, as the party will fight without any alliances in the upcoming elections. The decision on whether to impose an age limit will now be made through the electoral process,” Mainali stated.

Another Vice Chair and head of the central office, Keshav Rawal, mentioned that voting will take place on whether to impose an age limit, and if so, what age group it should apply to.

“The majority of requests during the closed session were in favor of not imposing an age limit, while some supported the idea. The resolution to this matter will come through the electoral process,” Rawal said.

According to Rawal, arrangements will be made to allow voting on a single ballot regarding whether to impose an age limit.

Another vote will determine which age group should be considered.

Vice Chair Pawan Karki confirmed that there is consensus on resolving the age limit dispute through the electoral process.

He clarified that conference representatives had shown more support for age groups of 28, 32, and 35, and this will now be addressed in the electoral process.