Nepali Congress, the country’s oldest surviving party, is all set to hold its 13th national convention in the capital on Wednesday.

The convention marks a turning point in the history of the party, the biggest in Parliament, as for the first time in decades, a Koirala is not the front runner in the race to become the party’s president. The convention is also important for national politics as NC, which has traditionally wielded power in the Terai, seems to have lost some of its influence down south.

1.

The race is not just between the top leaders, it is also between those who want to get elected to the all-powerful central committee. For the young, a place in the committee would mean getting to rub shoulders with the experienced leaders, and for the old, it would be about maintaining their influence in the party.

2.

Landing a position in the central committee is not easy. Congress leaders from different parts of the country have setup their contact offices around town for supporters to gather and campaign for their preferred candidate.

3.

 

If you go to central Kathmandu, you will see a sea of red and white flags all around you. The four stars and the red and white have come to symbolise the strength of the party, which has been in power for more number of years than any other party in the country.

4.

Welcoming delegates from all parts of the country, and making sure that the venue is all decked-up for the main event are tasks the party seems to have taken seriously. Hundreds of people have been deployed around town to do just that.

5.

The Khulla Manch is a historical place for political parties in Nepal. It was here that many historical announcements were made and political battle lines drawn. The convention’s inauguration, which will be attended by national and international dignitaries, will take place at this venue.