Sunita Baral on the CPN (UML) General Convention: A Festival for Organisational Strengthening

Kathmandu. Sunita Baral, a Central Committee member of the CPN (UML) and currently responsible for the Guest Hospitality Sub-Committee for the upcoming General Convention, has interpreted the convention not merely as a party program but as a festival, a responsibility, and a crucial moment for organizational strengthening. Baral stated that the General Convention, with the participation of representatives elected from area to area, is like the biggest celebration in the party's life.

According to Baral, the convention not only changes the leadership but also paves the way for the organization to move toward coordination, cooperation, and collective leadership. She says, 'A debate centered on an individual does not align with the party's principles. The party only becomes stronger through collective leadership.' Expressing her aspiration to be re-elected to the Central Committee in the upcoming term as well, she emphasized the need for representation of all generations in the leadership.

Speaking about youth participation, Baral mentioned that the representation of youth under 40 has increased in the selection of representatives. She stated that the main challenge now is not just representation but how to make it meaningful. 'There is no need to make the debate on generational transition in leadership complicated; youth have already been brought to the forefront through policy,' she clarified.

Baral stated that the UML is ahead of other parties in women's participation, noting the presence of 35–40 percent female representation in the Central Committee itself. Her view is that women should not only be given opportunities for posts but also be empowered to take on responsibilities and provide effective leadership. 'Leadership is not a post, but a duty. Women have the capacity to fulfill that duty,' she said.

Stating that the education sector is the main basis for the country's prosperity, Baral said the current education system should be designed to 'create employment,' not 'seek employment.' She argued that the rate of foreign migration would decrease if education were provided from the school level to develop skills and self-confidence. 'It is our responsibility to break the notion among youth that there are no opportunities here,' she said.

Regarding the current political developments, she noted that the lack of dialogue has become a major challenge, calling the incidents of the Bhadra 23rd and 24th the 'result of ineffective dialogue.' Her conclusion is that a failure by both the party and the government to successfully communicate policies and decisions has created confusion at the public level. 'Politics is not a subject of any one class; it is a responsibility connected to the life of every citizen,' Baral commented.

As the upcoming General Convention approaches, Baral reiterated her priority of making the party more disciplined, inclusive, and organizationally strong. Stating that the country is above the party and the aspirations of the citizens are above the country, she expressed confidence in playing a significant role in the next term as well through inter-generational coordination, policy reform, and organizational strengthening.