"columnist"

#13091150

13 December 2025

CZESTOCHOWA, POLAND – DECEMBER 12: A statue of Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, the Polish Roman Catholic priest and Solidarity activist murdered by communist security agents in 1984 and later beatified by the Catholic Church, is seen along the Avenue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Czestochowa, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland, on December 12, 2025.

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#13091045

13 December 2025

A cadre of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) holds the party flag outside the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering is its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committees. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli is scheduled to present the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091046

13 December 2025

Cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) attend the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering is its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committee members. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli presents the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091047

13 December 2025

Cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) attend the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering is its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committee members. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli presents the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091050

13 December 2025

Communist leader of Nepal, Dev Gurung, addresses the opening ceremony of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) general convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering to be its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committees. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli presents the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091051

13 December 2025

A cadre of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) holds the party flag outside the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering is its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committees. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli is scheduled to present the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091052

13 December 2025

Cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) stand in queue to enter the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering is its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committee members. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli presents the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091053

13 December 2025

Cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) stand in queue to enter the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering is its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committee members. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli presents the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091054

13 December 2025

A cadre of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) waits outside the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering to be its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committees. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli is scheduled to present the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091055

13 December 2025

Cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) undergo security checks at the entry point of the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering to be its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committee members. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one convenes a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli presents the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091056

13 December 2025

Cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) wait outside the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering is its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committee members. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli is scheduled to present the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091057

13 December 2025

Cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) gather outside the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering is its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committee members. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli is scheduled to present the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091058

13 December 2025

Cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) gather outside the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering is its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committee members. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli is scheduled to present the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091059

13 December 2025

A cadre of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) sleeps on the ground of the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering to be its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committee members. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli presents the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091060

13 December 2025

Cadres of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) gather at the ground waiting for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention to start in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering is its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committees. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli is scheduled to present the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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#13091061

13 December 2025

A cadre of the Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) holds a banner reading the slogan of the party as she enters the venue for the inauguration ceremony of the party's General Convention in Bhaktapur, Nepal, on December 13, 2025. The party claims the gathering to be its largest so far, mobilizing supporters from across the country by reserving vehicles to bring cadres to the Valley. Over 2,200 delegates, including elected and nominated representatives, and 309 observers participate in the convention, which elects the party's new leadership. Around 10,000 volunteers are mobilized for organizational management, according to the organizer. The convention elects 15 office-bearers, including the party chair and 251 central committee members. Another 10 percent of members are nominated. Although the party statute mandates a general convention every five years, this one is convened a year early. The 10th convention is held in Chitwan, Nepal, in December 2021. As the statute and policy convention concludes in September, the gathering focuses mainly on leadership selection. In the closed-door session, Oli is scheduled to present the political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tables the organizational report. Senior Vice Chairman Ishwar Pokhrel registers a concept paper criticizing Oli's leadership style and raising concerns over internal party democracy, and announces a challenge to Oli for the party chair.

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