ANNFSU (R): 32-year age limit approved, current leadership faces exit

Kathmandu, December 30 — Following the victory of the 32-year age limit supporters in the All Nepal National Free Students' Union (ANNFSU) Revolutionary election, it seems that more than two-thirds of the current committee members will be stepping down.

According to the results announced by the Election Commission late last night, the 32-year age limit supporters defeated the open competition faction by a margin of 21 votes.

The election was held on Saturday to settle the dispute over whether to enforce the 32-year age limit or not.

Out of 2,398 eligible voters, 1,779 cast their votes. Of these, 900 votes were in favor of implementing the 32-year age limit, while 879 votes were against it.

The process to elect new leadership will begin on January 19. After the age limit is implemented, most of the current committee members are expected to step down.

Among the 178 committee members, only Prabina Adhikari, current vice-chair, is allowed to stand for the chairman’s position, as informed by a student leader.

According to them, vice-chairs Indra Bhusal, GP Mainali, Tukman Mahara, Milan MC, Laxmi Prasad Joshi, Naresh Regmi, Gajendra Prasad Dev, Rajkumar Yakho, Madan Bhul, Madan Bhattarai, Suryanaryan Sah, Pawan Karki, Kshitij Sapkota, Narayan Khanal, Ambarraj Shahi, Achyut Bhatta, Keshav Rawal, who were contenders for the chairperson’s position, are now out due to the age limit rule.

Similarly, the outgoing General Secretary, Dipesh Pun, will also step down due to the age limit.

The joint-secretaries, 5-7 of them, and around 10 secretaries will likely be able to stand for the chairman’s position, the leaders said.