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In a significant political comeback, ousted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was re-elected as the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) on Thursday. This landslide victory ensures Oli will lead the party into the upcoming national elections scheduled for March 2025.
A Decisive Victory
During the party’s two-day general convention in Kathmandu, the 73-year-old veteran secured a commanding win over his rivals:
- KP Sharma Oli: 1,663 votes
- Ishwar Pokhrel: 564 votes
Despite his recent removal from power, Oli maintains a cult-like following within the party, with supporters often referring to him as “KP Ba” (Father KP). Supporters at the convention expressed that his leadership is essential to overcome recent political setbacks.
Context of the Ouster
Oli’s re-election comes just months after he was forced to step down in September 2025 following a violent, youth-led uprising. The protests, which left at least 77 people dead, were triggered by a social media ban and long-standing frustrations over corruption and economic stagnation.
Current Legal and Political Standing
While Oli has regained his party’s mantle, he faces significant hurdles:
- Travel Ban: The current interim government has imposed a travel ban on Oli as a commission investigates his role in the deadly crackdown on protesters during the September unrest.
- Interim Administration: Nepal is currently led by interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice, who is tasked with overseeing a “fair and fear-free” election on March 5, 2026.
The re-election of a traditional political giant like Oli highlights the deep polarization in Nepal as the country moves toward a pivotal election under a cloud of public distrust and economic uncertainty.