NRNA Vice President Robin Sherchan Announces Candidacy for ICC President in Tokyo

Japan. Robin Sherchan, the current Vice President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), has announced his candidacy for the post of International Coordination Council (ICC) President for the upcoming 2025-27 term.

During a special ceremony held in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, on Sunday, Sherchan announced his candidacy under the main slogan 'Strong Organization, Solid Unity: Our Campaign'.

Announcing his candidacy with the goal of leading the organization through the 12th World Conference to be held in Kathmandu on March 14, 15, and 16, Sherchan stated that ending internal division and strengthening the organization is his main agenda.

Sherchan, who has skillfully managed various responsibilities within the association while making Japan his workplace for the past 15 years, also unveiled his 15-point commitment letter during the event.

Sherchan acknowledged that the NRNA has been going through a very difficult and challenging time in recent years. He stated that his primary responsibility would be to re-unite the organization. Putting forward the concept of 'One Mind, One Organization,' he resolved to permanently end internal strife and discord within the organization and bring all campaigners and non-resident Nepalis under one umbrella.

Citizenship and Voting Rights Issue Prioritized

The issue of citizenship and voting rights for non-resident Nepalis has received special priority in Sherchan's action plan. He announced that he would take decisive initiative to remove the administrative and legal complexities seen in the implementation of non-resident Nepali citizenship granted by the constitution. Specifically, he is committed to effectively coordinating with the government and the Election Commission to ensure the right of Nepalis living abroad to vote, as per the mandamus from the Supreme Court.

Sherchan has strongly raised the issue of equal pension and rights for ex-Gurkhas, who have been marginalized for about 200 years.

His plan includes playing a pressure-building and supportive role from the NRNA's side to bring the ongoing G2G talks with the UK government to a logical conclusion. Furthermore, he stated that the 'Labor Desk' would be made more effective and active for the social security, workplace safety, and rights of workers employed abroad.

On the economic agenda, Sherchan aims to expand the 'NRNA Development Fund' to 25 billion rupees to include small investors and create an environment to connect workers employed abroad through IPOs. His plan includes lobbying for necessary legal reforms to guarantee the security of NRNA investments and bring foreign investment into Nepal.

Sherchan promised to bring radical changes to the membership distribution and electoral system by holding a statute convention within six months of being elected. Known for his image of 'speaking less but showing results,' he has also included in his action plan the provision of NRNA cards to Nepali-origin communities residing for generations in countries like Thailand and Myanmar, and connecting them with the mainstream of Nepal.

Controversy-Free Leadership is Today's Need: President Mahesh Shrestha

Addressing the program, current NRNA President Mahesh Shrestha stated that for the upcoming leadership of the association, a controversy-free person like Robin Sherchan, who can unite everyone, is necessary.

Shrestha emphasized that the internal division of the past 5 years has hurt the faith of 8 million Nepalis abroad, and the next leadership must bring unity to a conclusion.

'The trust of the government and the private sector in us was broken due to the divided organization, but the recent unity has created a new foundation,' said President Shrestha, 'Robin Sherchan's clean and coordinating image can make this unity sustainable.'

President Shrestha presented economic prosperity statistics, stating that if 1 million Nepalis save and invest just 20,000 rupees per month, an annual capital of 200 billion rupees can be accumulated. He expressed the view that the NRNA should now invest in large projects such as 1,000 MW hydropower, chemical fertilizer industries, and hydrogen fuel. Speaking on the citizenship issue, he also informed that the act will be finalized in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 12 and 13 next to make it rights-oriented.

Former NRNA President Bhawan Bhatt sent a written message to Sherchan wishing him success during the program. He mentioned that Sherchan's role would be crucial in creating a unified NRNA.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of influential personalities from the NRNA, including Hikmat Thapa, Som Lama, Rajendra Kumar Sharma, Yasmin Begum, Tika Gurung, Jitu Gurung, Rojina Pradhan, NRNA Belgium President Lokendra Nepal, Japan Founding President Rajan Pradhanang, Australia Secretary Kalyan Khadka, Supendra Ghising, Pitambar Bhattarai, Dilip Gurung, among others.

Similarly, NRNA Thailand President Bhavindra Basnet, UK Immediate Past President Hitkaji Gurung, representatives of the overseas organizations of various political parties (Roshan KC, Kulchandra Kharel, Mohan Paudel, Deepak KC), and Asia Pacific campaigners Anita Gurung and Deepak Kandel also expressed support for Sherchan's candidacy.

The welcome speech at the program was delivered by NRNA Japan President Subhas Lamichhane, and NCCS officials from various countries expressed confidence that Sherchan's leadership would take the organization to new heights.

The 12th World Conference to be held in Nepal from March 14 to 16 will elect the new leadership of the NRNA. Sherchan, who is considered a strong and universally favored candidate, is expected to lead after the general convention.