Election without alliance: Is it possible?

Following the Nepali Congress’s ambiguous stance on forming a pre-election alliance, the ruling and second-largest party in Parliament, CPN-UML, has decided to contest the 2027 national elections alone. This decision comes amid reports suggesting an understanding between the two parties not to form a pre-poll alliance with the CPN (Maoist Center).

If this plan materializes, it will mark the first time since the 2013 Constituent Assembly elections that the three major parties—NC, UML, and Maoist—will contest the elections separately. In the 2013 elections, the NC secured the first position, the UML polled in second, and the Maoists finished a distant third. Since 2017, these parties have regularly formed electoral alliances for both local and national elections. Within the UML, there is optimism that if the NC and the Maoists do not form an alliance, the party could emerge as the largest due to its strong grassroots organization. Since the 2022 national elections, the UML has been actively engaging in various campaigns in preparation for the 2027 national elections.

UML leaders say after handing over power to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba as per the current agreement, the party will fully focus on the elections. However, they recognize the challenges posed by the rise of new political parties, particularly the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and the growing disillusionment among the youth with traditional political parties. The decisions of the NC and UML not to form pre-election alliances are seen as a significant setback for the Maoist Center, which has managed to retain its third position through electoral alliances either with the NC or the UML. 

The UML is now planning an ambitious third phase of its campaign, aimed at securing a single-party majority in the 2027 elections. After the ‘Mission Grassroots’ and ‘Mid-hills Resolution March’ campaigns, the party is brainstorming a new initiative to expand its influence nationwide. General Secretary Shankar Pokharel presented a comprehensive 33-page plan during a Politburo meeting on Tuesday.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister and UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli made it clear that the party will not enter any electoral alliances for the 2027 elections. He directed party leaders to focus on securing a single majority and emphasized the importance of strengthening provincial committees and developing grassroots plans. Oli also called for unity within the party and the resolution of internal disputes to ensure effective election preparations. He reaffirmed his commitment to handing over power to the NC as per the current agreement, stating, “The transition will occur on schedule. This government will remain in office for the next one year, 10 months, and 15 days.”

UML General Secretary Pokharel’s action plan includes a target of increasing party membership to one million within 18 months. The plan suggests achieving this by recruiting three percent of total voters at the ward level and 6 percent at the municipal and district levels. To strengthen the party organization, the UML plans to hold transparent and regular conventions at all levels and prioritize consensus-based leadership selection, though fair elections will be held when necessary.

Pokharel also proposed assigning suitable responsibilities to those stepping down from leadership roles during conventions. He noted that neglecting the management of individuals who step down, retire, or join from other parties during conventions has created confusion within the party. The proposal stresses the importance of managing these individuals as part of the broader campaign for political consolidation.

The UML also plans to implement a systematic evaluation process for party leaders at all levels, including central committee members and office bearers, to ensure accountability and effectiveness. Pokharel’s proposal states that the  general secretary will evaluate the performance of central committee members and report to the party chairperson, who will be responsible for evaluating the work of central office bearers.

Additionally, the party aims to promote institutional decision-making through secretariat or full committee meetings to resolve internal conflicts and strengthen unity. The UML also proposes establishing permanent party schools at various levels to provide ideological training for both new and existing members. The plan includes creating a training curriculum and producing trainers to conduct these sessions.

To achieve the goals of its ‘Mission 2027’ campaign, the UML plans to effectively mobilize its ministers in the federal government and local representatives to promote its achievements and implement people-centric policies. The proposal emphasizes the need to maintain efficient party offices and enhance public relations and communication strategies. To strengthen its financial base, the party plans to systematically collect levies from members and explore potential income sources. The proposal also calls for party leaders and cadres to maintain simple lifestyles and high moral standards to preserve public trust.

The UML has identified leadership development, strengthening and expanding party organizations, youth engagement, public relations, and overseas party work as its five priority areas. The successful implementation of these decisions will largely depend on the future of the current coalition with the NC. If this alliance breaks down and Maoist Center Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal re-emerges as a kingmaker, there is a high likelihood of a reversal in these plans. 

At this point, Dahal is likely to support either UML or NC only if a pre-poll alliance is in place, as this is crucial for retaining his party’s strength. Major parties also fear that the RSP and the emergence of new independent candidates could pose significant challenges in the upcoming elections.