Debate Intensifies Over Voting System Ahead of NRNA's 12th General Convention

Kathmandu. As the 12th General Convention of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) approaches, the debate surrounding the election system is becoming increasingly contentious within the organization.

 Many argue that this General Convention must be held physically in Kathmandu at all costs to uphold the dignity of the common organization for Nepalis scattered across the globe and to permanently end past divisions.

Activists have advocated for physical presence, concluding that the 'online voting' system adopted in the past has emotionally divided the organization rather than uniting it.

Robin Sherchan, Vice President of the NRNA ICC and a contender for the presidency in the 12th General Convention, clarified that there is no alternative to physical presence in the upcoming convention. Emphasizing that the grand international convention, scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from March 13 to 15, will determine the future direction of the organization, Sherchan stressed that this should not merely be a process of selecting leadership but a celebration demonstrating the unity of Nepalis worldwide.

Sherchan recalled bitter past experiences, claiming that the online and digital voting system has been a failed practice. "In the past, serious questions were raised about voter identity, system reliability, and transparency due to the alleged misuse of technology in the name of online voting," Sherchan said. "This widened the gap of mistrust within the association and even led to the creation of parallel structures. Repeating that same failed practice again would be gambling with the institutional future of the NRNA."

According to him, the physical election process not only increases transparency but also creates an environment for direct dialogue between candidates and voters. He believes this will also contribute to Nepal's tourism and economic activities. He also emphasized that everyone must make sacrifices to maintain unity.