KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML Vice-Chair Surendra Pandey has emphasized the importance of internal democracy, dissent, and proper leadership rules within the party.

Speaking at a program on “Internal Democracy in UML” in Kathmandu, he stated that the Constitution does not bar anyone, including former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, from joining a political party, and no party can unilaterally prohibit membership.

Pandey also highlighted that his dissent regarding Bhandari’s membership, expressed in past meetings, was not included in official party documents.

He said that at the upcoming statute convention, if dissenting opinions are not formally recorded, they will naturally continue and be raised.

On party leadership rules, Pandey supported maintaining a two-term limit for executive positions, even though the age limit has been suspended.

He noted that debates on this issue will be resolved at the upcoming statute convention, stressing that democratization within the party should follow structured processes rather than being disrupted by mismanagement.

He further suggested that discussions on internal democracy should extend beyond UML to all political parties in Nepal, reflecting the multiparty competition and spirit promoted by leader Madan Bhandari.