Kathmandu, March 16: After years of internal disputes and repeated splits, the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has finally reached a consensus. At the association’s 12th Unity General Convention underway in Kathmandu, Dr Hemraj Sharma has been selected unanimously as president.
Dr Sharma, who works at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, had emerged as a leading contender for the post. His election became uncontested after the other presidential candidates, Robin Sherchan and Rabin Bajracharya, withdrew their candidacies at the last moment.
The main contest had earlier been between UK based Sharma and Japan based businessman Sherchan. In the interest of unity, Sherchan agreed to step aside from the presidential race after receiving a commitment that all sides would cooperate with him for the presidency in the future. He has agreed to take the position of vice president.
The election committee said the formal announcement of the results will be made on Monday.
In the past, four out of the association’s seven presidents were elected through competitive elections. Only Upendra Mahato, Jiba Lamichhane, and Devman Hirachan had previously become president through unanimous selection.
With Sharma’s appointment, the NRNA will again have a unanimously chosen president after about 13 years.
Organizers said consensus has also been reached for other positions in the new executive committee. There is a strong possibility that all 69 posts, including the presidency, will be filled through unanimous agreement.
The closing ceremony of the 12th General Convention taking place in Kathmandu is scheduled for Monday. Prime Minister Sushila Karki is expected to attend the event as the chief guest.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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