KATHMANDU: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has said that while the party’s upcoming general convention is open to all qualified candidates, Nepal’s constitution does not envision a return to active party politics by former presidents.

Speaking at a press conference at the UML central office in Chyasal, Pokharel addressed growing concerns over former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s renewed political engagement and clarified leadership eligibility within the party.

Pokharel emphasized that party statutes allow any individual who meets the criteria to compete for leadership positions, stating, “No one is barred from contesting. The system ensures the right to compete is protected.”

He rejected claims that the removal of the two-term limit and the age cap was intended to make KP Sharma Oli the undisputed leader, calling such interpretations “purely political.”

Addressing the constitutional implications of former President Bhandari’s re-entry into UML politics, Pokharel said, “Our democratic system, where the President is a constitutional head rather than an executive leader, requires complete neutrality. The return of a former head of state to partisan politics is not consistent with the spirit of Nepal’s constitution.”

The UML stated that the presidency is a highly respected and symbolic role, and any move by a former president to reengage in party politics could undermine the impartiality of their past decisions and raise constitutional concerns.

“Former President Bhandari is a respected figure for her past contributions,” the party noted, “but those who have held constitutional positions like President or Vice President should remain above party lines to preserve institutional dignity.”

Pokharel concluded by reiterating that while the leadership race is open and democratic, those who have held the nation’s highest constitutional offices must remain politically neutral—even after retirement.