Nepali Congress Membership Update Questioned by Former Election Committee Member

Former Nepali Congress Central Election Committee member and senior advocate Ekaraj Pokharel has raised questions about the legality and appropriateness of the party's decision to digitally update active memberships after they have already been renewed. Pokharel, who served on the committee for the 13th, 14th, and 15th general conventions, stated that the old party constitution did not include provisions for such an 'update' after renewal. He emphasized that only the general convention has the authority to amend the constitution, and any such changes regarding membership must be made through that process. Pokharel expressed concern that the current leadership's move to require a digital update, even for those who have already renewed their memberships, might be politically motivated and deviates from the established constitutional framework. He highlighted the practical difficulties and financial burden this could impose on members, especially those from remote areas, questioning the necessity of such a process when the party office is responsible for maintaining records. Pokharel believes that membership management should be a procedural matter handled by the party office and its staff, rather than becoming a political issue that could disenfranchise members. He also pointed out that a special general convention does not have the authority to amend the constitution, which is solely the prerogative of the regular general convention.