KATHMANDU: CPN (UML) Senior Vice-Chair Ishwor Pokharel has announced his candidacy for the post of chair.

In an interaction with editors today, on the eve of the 11th National Congress of UML being held in Kathmandu from December 13 to 15, Pokharel said that he is filing his candidacy for the post of chair, respecting the sentiments of the leaders and cadres that the party who favour running the party by including everyone on the basis of due procedures, including leadership transfer.

Pokharel expressed the view that a win and loss in elections should be taken as a natural one and clarified that he will stand firmly in favour of the party no matter what the election results are.

In response to a question, Senior Vice-Chair Pokharel expressed the view that anyone should be allowed to enter politics if they wish, in accordance with the state’s constitution, party statute, international good practices and the wishes of the people.

Similarly, he said as the case of the restoration of the House of Representatives is currently under consideration in the court there was not need to comment on it. The UML will however participate in the upcoming elections as it is a party that believes in democracy and elections.

He also said that they are in favor of unity among the leftist forces in the country.

Party Vice Chair Ashtalakshmi Shakya, Yubaraj Gyawali and Surendra Pandey, Secretaries Yogesh Bhattarai and Gokarna Bista, among others were also present on the occasion.