ANFA Elections Set for Chaitra 13 Amidst Tight Presidential Race

Kathmandu. The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) elections for a new leadership will take place on Chaitra 13. According to the revised schedule published by the ANFA Election Committee, a tough contest is expected for the presidential post between the incumbent President Pankaj Bikram Nemwang and former Senior Vice President Dirgha Bahadur KC.

The committee has given new momentum to the process, which was halted following the directive of the Election Commission, and has also published the preliminary list of candidates. According to Lokendra Oli, Member Secretary of the committee, the list of candidates and voters was published on Falgun 22.

Time has been allotted until Falgun 28 for claims and objections regarding this list, and the final list will be published on Falgun 30. The number of candidates for positions other than the president is also significant. Dawa Lama, Sundar Narsingh Joshi, and Deepak Khatiwada are contesting for one senior vice president position.

Similarly, 10 candidates are competing for four vice-president positions, and 28 candidates are vying for 13 executive member positions. Sarila Shrestha Maleku, Bindra Dewan, Kamala Hirachan Thakuri, and Lilamaya Thapa have filed nominations for the two women executive member positions. The list of 87 voters representing various district associations and clubs has also been finalized for the election.

It is expected that the internal politics of ANFA, which has been mired in controversy and uncertainty for a long time, will stabilize after this election. Although the Election Committee stated that minor adjustments to the schedule could be made if necessary, Chaitra 13 has been set as the main polling date. Football enthusiasts view this election as a crucial juncture that will determine the future direction of Nepali football.