CPN (UML) Reformists Unveil 'NextGen UML' Concept for Party Transformation

Kathmandu. Proponents of a special general convention within the CPN (UML) have initiated discussions by presenting the 'NextGen UML' concept, aimed at the reorganization and transformation of the party.

Campaigners state that the 'NextGen UML' concept (discussion paper) has been released alongside a signature campaign for a special general convention. They intend to reach a conclusion through both digital and physical debates on the discussion paper.

Released on the 77th Communist Foundation Day, the paper notes that structural and behavioral reforms are essential to restore declining public trust in the UML.

The public discussion paper describes the current political situation as a 'moment of crisis'.

It explains that the UML currently faces policy, operational, and organizational challenges rather than just ideological or theoretical ones, demanding a revolutionary transformation, reorganization, and renaissance in line with the party's original character.

The need for debate arises from the critical question facing the UML: whether to remain dynamic followers of the People's Multiparty Democracy (Jabaj) to lead the nation and the movement according to the needs and aspirations of a changing society, or to become cowardly obstacles to the revolutionary transformation required by the party and the movement.

With the core slogan 'NextGen UML: Towards the People, Towards the Roots', the proposal places special emphasis on transforming the party toward ideological clarity, organizational agility, and operational accountability.

Modnath Silwal, a former leader of the UML Youth Association, informed that not only party leaders and cadres but also the general public can participate in the discussions on this concept.

'Not only party leaders and cadres, but the general public can also join the discussion,' said Silwal. 'Through the discussion paper, we have put forward three main foundations for the party's renaissance.'

According to Silwal, the priorities include generational transition with transformation, a policy of returning to the people, and a campaign to reconnect with the grassroots.

The discussion paper mentions that the culture of open debate and review should be institutionalized within the party, transparency in decision-making should be increased, and a system for collecting regular suggestions from civil society and cadres should be developed. It proposes moving the party from a closed structure to an open and accountable one by strengthening 'open consultation' and 'party-society dialogue' in line with modern political practices.

Regarding policy reforms, the document prioritizes a maximum two-term limit for leadership, mandatory accountability after election defeats, leadership selection through direct voting, a primary system for candidate selection, and research-based policy formulation. It also suggests implementing a scientific evaluation system while ensuring ideological clarity and organizational autonomy in mass organizations.

15 Proposed Points for Policy Reform

1. Provision for a maximum of two terms

2. Ideological proximity and organizational autonomy in mass organizations

3. Mandatory accountability for election defeats

4. Discipline-based policies and action plans

5. Party leadership through direct voting by cadres

6. Provision for lateral entry

7. Mandatory primary system

8. Pyramid-style committee structures

9. Scientific evaluation and thematic responsibilities

10. Mandatory screening before assigning responsibilities

11. Scientific system for leadership development

12. Zero tolerance for corruption

13. Guidance committee of senior leaders in the party

14. Leaders and cadres who can be role models in society

15. Encouragement of professions and zero full-time cadres

The proposed discussion paper points out the need for self-criticism before the public regarding past weaknesses to regain trust. It places special emphasis on adopting zero tolerance for corruption, immediately suspending officials accused of wrongdoing pending impartial investigation, and increasing transparency in public life.

The paper also mentions the need for increased youth representation, structural reforms for leadership development, encouragement of professional engagement, and improvements to the full-time cadre culture. Additionally, a proposal has been put forward to create a separate mechanism for the guidance of experienced leaders.

The discussion paper concludes that a 'renaissance' is needed within the UML, and bold policy and structural reforms are mandatory to re-establish the party as a pro-people, credible, and effective force.

'Three foundations and 15 policy reforms have been proposed for the party's renaissance, with the aim of making the party more democratic, accountable, pro-people, and effective,' says Upendra Shahi, Deputy General Secretary of the CPN UML Youth Association. 'In the discussion paper, we have focused only on the minimum policy reforms necessary for the party's renaissance and have presented only the basic arguments for the necessity of those policies.'

Campaigners state that the proposed foundations and policies are based on the fundamental values of the People's Multiparty Democracy (Jabaj) and democracy.

'This is not just a discussion for the sake of discussion, but an indispensable necessity for the renaissance of our party and movement,' says Shahi.

The proposed paper for discussion mentions that it is necessary to make politics a form of social service rather than a professional dependency.

'All members should be encouraged to engage in productive professions, and the trend of seeking responsibilities and positions in the party in the name of being a full-time cadre should be ended,' the proposal states. 'This increases financial transparency and self-reliance.'

Furthermore, it is proposed to adopt a policy where only staff receiving salaries to operate offices, volunteers, and experts as needed are involved in party work on a full-time basis.

'The renaissance of the CPN (UML) is not possible through leadership change alone; for this, institutional transformation, democratic working styles, youth-friendly organizational structures, and a living relationship with the people must be re-established.' Proponents of party transformation believe that since this is a comprehensive transformation effort to make the party vibrant, credible, and popular again, the UML of the future must stand not just on the glory of the past, but on the possibilities of the future.