Foreign Minister Directs NRNA to Hold Elections According to Bylaws

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to conduct its upcoming elections, scheduled for the second week of March (March 14–16, 2026 / Falgun 30 to Chaitra 2, 2082), in accordance with the organization’s bylaws. 

During a program organized at the Ministry on Thursday to discuss the election modality, Foreign Minister Balananda Sharma stated that since the bylaws are explicit, the election must proceed accordingly.

He said, “If we are to do any work, it must be done within the rules and procedures. If we play football, we must follow the rules of football; if we play volleyball, we must follow the rules of volleyball. Now that we are running the NRNA, we must follow its bylaws and procedures. If they cannot be followed, they should be criticized, but even criticism must remain within the methods and boundaries of decorum. This is a basic understanding.”

“Why was online voting implemented? Why was physical participation necessary? These matters were clarified at the time the bylaws were drafted. Now, if the search for unity leads to division, that too must be resolved within the rules,” he added.

“Your bylaws explicitly state that the General Assembly and Convention can be held online or through physical presence, and for representatives who cannot attend physically, arrangements must be made for online participation and voting. 

Therefore, that is the current rule, under which a 10-point agreement was reached under the chairmanship of the Right Honorable Prime Minister, and that agreement specifies following those very bylaws. Thus, the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is merely to facilitate, and the Ministry is doing exactly that,” Minister Sharma said.

Minister Sharma mentioned that while he personally preferred the election to be held through physical presence, the statutory requirement to include Nepalis living abroad in the election process meant it must be conducted accordingly. 

He remarked that failing to follow democratic processes is akin to demonstrating one's own failure. “Seeking directives in a place where democratic processes are being practiced looks like an admission of one's own failure,” he said.

“Both sides should move forward from a lose-lose situation; without harboring any ego, and focusing on the welfare of the association rather than 'me' or 'mine,' let’s think about the future rather than through the lens of winning or losing.”

Minister Sharma expressed the government's commitment to provide the necessary facilitation and support to make the 12th NRNA Global Conference a success.