Voting Underway for New Leadership of Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs National Federation in Pokhara

Kathmandu. Voting has begun in Pokhara for the selection of new leadership for the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs National Federation, the umbrella organization of transport entrepreneurs across Nepal. 

Voting commenced at 7 AM on Wednesday as part of the Federation's Seventh National General Convention. 

More than 1,500 representatives from across the country are participating in the voting process to elect a new working committee for a three-year term. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are being used this time to make the voting process smooth, fast, and transparent.

Punyaprasad Sitaula and Harisharan KC are the main contenders in the election for the central president post of the Federation. Candidate Sitaula is the senior vice-president in the current working committee of the Federation and was elected with a large majority in the Godawari General Convention of 2079 BS.

Sitaula's candidacy has been proposed by the Federation's incumbent president, Vijay Bahadur Swar, and supported by former president and chief advisor Yogendranath Karmacharya. Speaking to journalists during the voting, presidential candidate Sitaula stated that his main agenda is to make the public transport sector modern and technology-friendly. 

He claimed that under his leadership, a master plan for public transport would be implemented and vehicles would be managed according to geographical conditions. Sitaula also expressed his commitment to advocating with the government for a fundamental change in the current insurance policy, which he stated is insufficient to cover the treatment costs of the injured.

Sitaula said, ‘Public transport can no longer run in the traditional way. We must implement GPS systems, online ticketing, and cashless payment systems. Different transport modalities are needed for cities like the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara, and for long and medium-distance roads. We have a plan to operate large vehicles carrying 100 to 150 passengers on major roads and manage accordingly on smaller roads.’

In addition, he stated that ensuring social security for transport entrepreneurs and workers is his priority. He also presented plans to coordinate with the current government for the implementation of various reports formed by government-constituted commissions and to reduce traffic congestion in the Kathmandu Valley through scientific road management. 

This General Convention, which began last Sunday, will conclude with the election of a new leadership for the next three-year term.