FNCCI to revert to direct presidential elections

KATHMANDU: The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has decided to elect its president through direct voting once again. This decision follows the unanimous approval of a revised statute by a special general assembly held on Tuesday. The revised statute, prepared on July 9 (24th of Asar), will be implemented after receiving approval from the Council of Ministers.

Previously, the FNCCI statute allowed the senior vice president to automatically ascend to the presidency. However, the new statute introduces key provisions, including a two-year tenure for the executive committee, the inclusion of one female vice president, and the selection of senior and female vice presidents by the executive committee. Additionally, there will now be two vice presidents representing districts and municipalities.

The special general assembly has decided that the current senior vice president, Anjan Shrestha, will automatically become the president. Following his tenure, future presidents will be chosen through direct elections. “After the completion of Anjan Shrestha’s term, the two-year tenure will commence, and subsequent presidents will be elected directly,” stated FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal.

Despite previous proposals for direct presidential elections, disputes among members prevented their approval. However, this time, the revised statute was unanimously passed. “There were no disputes, and the statute was approved unanimously,” said Dhakal, adding, “This decision has sent a positive message.”

Key Provisions of the Revised Statute

Under the new provisions, the current three-year term of the executive committee will continue until completion. Shrestha will then assume the presidency automatically, with subsequent senior vice presidents being selected by the executive committee. The provision for directly electing senior vice presidents has been removed.

The FNCCI initially proposed having two senior vice presidents, but the general assembly approved the continuation of having just one. The revised statute also mandates one female vice president. However, for this position to be fulfilled, the executive committee must have at least 12 female members. If this requirement is unmet, there will be no female vice president.

Similarly, there will now be two vice presidents representing districts and municipalities, replacing the previous arrangement of having just one.

Representation of Women and Future Elections

Although direct presidential elections will take effect after the next term, the provisions for women’s representation in the associate and commodity groups will apply starting from the upcoming elections. “We have initiated new provisions to ensure women’s representation in various positions, including one female member among the 14 commodity group representatives and two among the 19 associate group representatives,” explained Dhakal.

He emphasized that direct presidential elections will pave the way for capable leadership. “This system will ensure that competent individuals lead the federation,” he said.

Historical Context

The FNCCI previously amended its statute in 2016 (2073 BS) to introduce the automatic promotion of the senior vice president to the presidency. This system led to the presidencies of Bhawani Rana, Shekhar Golchha, and the incumbent Dhakal. Current Senior Vice President Anjan Shrestha will also assume the presidency under this arrangement before the direct election system is reinstated.

Efforts to introduce direct presidential elections were previously undertaken, including proposals by amendment committees led by former presidents Chandiraj Dhakal and Kush Kumar Joshi. However, disagreements hindered their approval. “Although various task forces and committees were formed to work on this issue, consensus could not be reached,” Dhakal noted.

He further stated, “I had pledged during the elections to amend the statute and reintroduce direct presidential elections. Today, that promise has been fulfilled.”