NRNA Vice President Demands Immediate Postponement of 12th General Assembly Amid Global Unrest and Internal Disputes

Kathmandu. The Vice President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) and a candidate for the presidency in the upcoming 12th General Assembly, Robin Prasad Sherchan, has demanded the immediate postponement of the association's declared election schedule. Issuing a special appeal on the eve of the General Assembly, scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from March 14 to 16, Sherchan urged the election committee to halt the electoral process due to the current international situation and procedural disputes within the organization.

Sherchan primarily cited the recent unsettling developments in the Middle East as the main reason. He noted that thousands of Nepalis are looking towards the NRNA with hope and trust during this time of crisis, asserting that focusing only on elections and positions while ignoring humanitarian concerns goes against the core ethos of the organization. He stated that with travel to Nepal becoming uncertain for delegates from Europe, the US, and the Middle East itself due to insecurity in the Middle East, the General Assembly without the broad participation of senior members and activists would be incomplete.

Furthermore, Sherchan warned that proceeding without correcting the technical and statutory errors within the organization would be suicidal. He expressed serious dissatisfaction over the failure to publish the official list of verified total registered members, the continued opacity regarding the list of NNCs and members who have not paid their dues, and the non-adherence to the mandatory 30-day notice period stipulated by the bylaws. Amidst all these problems and disputes, he emphasized that if the General Assembly must proceed under compelling circumstances, the leadership should be selected unanimously rather than through electoral competition.

Recalling the division and bitterness caused by the delegate dispute during the 2021 General Assembly, Sherchan warned that further damage would be inflicted upon the organization if anyone's legal rights are disregarded again. He clarified that he would not participate in a disputed process that could tarnish the dignity of the organization, proclaiming that the organization and its credibility are paramount to him, above any position.

Vice President Sherchan appealed to all Non-Resident Nepalis worldwide to remain patient and composed, stating that the NRNA must set an example of cooperation and unity during a crisis to become strong, united, and accountable.

Special Appeal

Greetings to all Non-Resident Nepali brothers and sisters around the world!

We stand on the threshold of the 12th General Assembly of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). In this context, I wish to share some of my serious views regarding the General Assembly scheduled in Kathmandu from March 14 to 16 (Falgun 30 to Chaitra 2).

While feeling enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility, the current international situation compels us to engage in serious self-reflection. Especially due to the recent unsettling developments in the Middle East, Nepali worker Diwas Shrestha, 29, from Gorkha, met a tragic end, and lakhs of Nepali brothers and sisters working there have been directly affected. In such a sensitive time, my firm belief is that our first priority must be the rescue, facilitation, and morale boosting of Nepalis in distress in that region.

Supporting and assisting Nepalis in crisis is the core ethos and objective of our common organization, the NRNA. Today, thousands of Nepalis are looking towards the NRNA with hope and trust. I feel that if we forget humanitarian sensibilities in such an adverse situation and focus only on elections and positions, it will be contrary to the spirit and sentiment of the organization.

Moreover, due to the precarious situation in the Middle East, travel for delegates from Europe, America, and the Middle East to reach Nepal and participate in the General Assembly appears not only unsafe but also uncertain at present. We must not forget the reality that a General Assembly without the broad and safe participation of activists and NRNA elders will remain incomplete.

Against this backdrop, in my capacity as a contender for the NRNA presidency, I humbly request the Election Committee to postpone all declared election schedules until the current situation eases. My proposal is that once the situation normalizes and all delegates are guaranteed safety, we should resolve procedural disputes impartially and complete the General Assembly with broader unity.

Our common goal is to build a strong, united, and accountable NRNA. Only by setting an example of cooperation and unity in times of crisis can the trust of Nepalis worldwide in our organization be further strengthened.

In addition, many friends share the view that the official details, including the verification of total registered members, must be published immediately; the number of NNCs and members who have not paid their dues must be publicized first, and illegal names removed from the list; no process should move forward without ensuring the mandatory 30-day period mentioned in the bylaws; and the current flawed process must be stopped immediately, and a new process initiated in a lawful and universally acceptable manner. If, amidst all these problems, disputes, and circumstances, the General Assembly must be held, I call for the selection of leadership unanimously, not through electoral competition.

The wounds from the unfortunate situation caused by the delegate dispute in the 2021 General Assembly have not yet healed. If there is an intention to move forward again by disregarding the feelings, rights, and legal processes of anyone, there is a danger that it will cause further damage to the organization.

If the process is disputed and there is no fair consensus among all parties, I will not engage in an act that tarnishes the dignity of the organization by participating in such a disputed process. For me, the organization and its credibility and dignity are above any position.

Finally, I heartily appeal to the entire Nepali community for patience, restraint, and unity in this adverse situation.

Robin Prasad Sherchan

Vice President and Presidential Candidate

Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA)