Australia – The ongoing election of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has stirred significant attention among the Nepali diaspora residing in Australia. The fees set for candidacy in the NRNA’s National Executive Committee have raised eyebrows due to their steep candidacy costs.
According to Election Commission member Raju Upadhyaya, candidates vying for the position of President must pay a nomination fee of AUD 3,500 (approximately NPR 300,000). The fees for other positions range from AUD 200 to 3,500 depending on the role.
For Vice President, General Secretary, and Treasurer, the fee is set at AUD 2,500. Secretaries must pay AUD 2,000, while members are required to pay AUD 1,000. Similarly, candidates for State and Territory Coordinators, as well as the Women’s Forum Coordinator, must pay AUD 2,000. Deputy Coordinators and State Secretaries are subject to fees of AUD 700 and AUD 500 respectively.
Some community members have criticized the fees as excessively high, while others believe the funds will help support the organization’s operating expenses.
This year’s election is scheduled to be held online on July 26, 2025, with around 17,000 members expected to vote. The presidential race currently includes Sanjiv Gorkhali from Darwin, Santosh Kunwar from Brisbane, and Bhairav Dhakal from Perth.
Ongoing Dispute
Meanwhile, the International Coordination Council (ICC) has appointed a new committee under the leadership of Bibek Thapa, granting it responsibility for membership distribution and organizing a unification convention. This decision, made during the final stages of election preparations, has added confusion to the process.
Thapa has issued a statement raising concerns over NRNA Australia of financial irregularities and biased membership distribution. He has proposed organizing the convention based on inclusive and consensus-based principles.
However, the current executive committee insists that the election will proceed as scheduled. The power struggle between the ICC and the national executive committee has cast uncertainty over the leadership selection process within NRNA Australia.
