Three candidates are likely to compete in the Non-Resident Nepalese Association (NRNA) presidential race.

While incumbent NRNA President Shesh Ghale formally filed his candidacy on Tuesday, two other candidates Ratan Jha and TB Karki are expected to file theirs soon, sources at the association said. Candidacy can be filed till 9am on Thursday.

The 7th NRNA International General Assembly and Global Conference, scheduled for kick off in Kathmandu on Wednesday, will elect new leadership and new executives for the next two-year term. A five-member committee has been formed under the leadership of advocate Shiva Rijal to oversee Thursday’s election. The committee has already issued an election schedule.

Once the election concludes, President Ram Baran Yadav will formally inaugurate the NRNA event.

On Saturday, the event will witness several workshops related with reconstruction post earthquake and investment prospects in Nepal.

At a press meet in Kathmandu on Monday, NRNA President Ghale said that the association had entered into a partnership with the government to build 1,000 homes for earthquake victims within two years and that the conference would help expedite the task. The association will be prioritising financially weak, marginalised people while distributing these homes, Ghale added.   

Around 1,500 Non-Resident Nepalis from across the globe have converged here for the event. The NRNA, established as a non-profit making social organisation in 2003, with motto ‘For Nepali by Nepali’ was aimed at uniting the Nepalis residing abroad, promoting and safeguarding their interests both in and outside Nepal, mobilising their contributions in the interest of Nepal.

Founding President Upendra Mahato led the association from 2003-2009, followed by Dev Man Hirachan (2009-2011) and Jiba Lamichhane (2011-13). Ghale is the fourth President of the NRNA.