KATHMANDU: The 15th general convention of the Nepali Congress is beginning at the Khula Manch in Kathmandu from today.

Preparations for the inaugural ceremony of the five-day general convention have reached the final stage by decorating the Khula Manch.

The general convention is scheduled to be inaugurated at 2 pm today. The general convention will start from October 1 and will continue till October 8. Most of the delegates from home and abroad have come to Kathmandu for the general convention and some are going on. Arrangements have been made for their accommodation in various hotels in the capital, said spokesperson Devraj Chalise.

According to the Congress, more than 7,500 delegates will participate in the general convention. After the inauguration, a closed session will be held on October 19 and 20, while the election process will begin on October 21 and 22 to elect a new leadership.

The Nepali Congress has invited top leaders of major political parties to the inaugural ceremony. Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Chairman of Nepali Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Chairman of Rastriya Prajatantra Party Rajendra Lingden, Chairman of Janata Samajbadi Party Upendra Yadav and Chairman of Janamat Party Chandrakant Raut are expected to attend the program.

The Congress has also invited foreign guests from India, China, America and other countries. Chantal Kambiba, executive coordinator of Socialist International, has already arrived in Nepal. Representatives or congratulatory messages from other countries have also been received, the Congress said.

Three halls have been prepared for the general convention along with the main stage for the general convention. Coordinator of the food management committee, Tilak Ranabhat, coordinator of the food management committee, said that arrangements have been made at the Bhrikutimandap for the media center, health desk for health services and food for the representatives.

The Congress will also elect a new leadership from the general convention. President Gagan Kumar Thapa will present political and policy documents, while the Vice President, General Secretary and Treasurer will also present their reports.

The filing of candidacy is scheduled for October 1. After that, the Congress is scheduled to elect a new leadership through elections on October 21 and 22. Preparations are being made to conduct the voting at the Khula Manch and the National Assembly Hall and the Pragya Pratishthan, said Raju Katuwal, member secretary of the election committee.

The slogan of this year’s general convention is ‘Respecting tradition and determination for change: An alternative to a strong Congress for prosperous Nepal’.