Leadership race hots up in the Nepali Congress as the largest party’s general convention inches closer. With at least three candidates vying for the party presidency, top NC leaders are busy with an intense lobbying to bolster their chances.

Incumbent party chief Sushil Koirala, senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and Vice-president Ram Chandra Poudel have hinted at their plans to secure the top post. Though some second-rung leaders have also expressed their interest, the competition is likely to be primarily between the top three leaders.

The NC has decided to hold its 13th general convention from March 3-6, 2016. The party has a constitutional obligation to conduct its convention, which has already been postponed twice, within the period.

President Koirala has not formally announced his candidacy. However, leaders close to him say the former PM will announce his candidacy once local and district conventions of the party are over by January.

Koirala was elected the party president in 2010. He wants to lead the NC for a second term with the belief that it will enable him to hand over the party leadership to his close aides, according to party insiders.

If other leaders from the Koirala camp get in the fray, it would be difficult for Koirala to beat Deuba and Poudel. “If Koirala runs for the post, there is a high chance of him retaining the presidential seat because he maintains 60 percent hold in the party organisation,” said a leader.

Leaders close to him justify Koirala’s candidacy saying that the constitution drafting process was completed during his premiership and the party emerged as the largest political force from the second Constituent Assembly elections under his leadership.

For Deuba, this is the last opportunity to become the party chief. The three-time prime minister was defeated by Koirala in the 2010 convention. If he loses again, say leaders, there remains no moral ground for him to fight for the post again. This time, Deuba has already started his campaign by opening a contact office in Baneshwor.

Leaders close to Deuba say he has a strong possibility of victory. First, according to leaders, Deuba has strengthened his position in the party’s wings such as of trade unionists, Dalits and women.

Second, Koirala has failed to run the party in a system, leaving the organisational structure in a mess, Deuba aides insist. “Koirala even failed to give the party’s Central Working Committee its full shape,” said Ramesh Rijal, who is close to Deuba. To bolster his position, Deuba is trying to cajole some leaders who are dissatisfied with Koirala.

Poudel has already begun a nationwide campaign announcing his candidacy for the president. He argues that Koirala will not be able to give the party a dynamic leadership.

Leaders close to Poudel justify his candidacy on the grounds that he is untested and has the zeal to revamp the party. “This time, he seems determined to fight for the presidency and is already doing everything he can to secure the top post,” said NC leader Nabindra Raj Joshi.

As the top leaders are engaged in their campaigns, some influential leaders are also driving a hard bargain. General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula has distanced himself from Koirala. But Deuba supporters say Sitaula will not join their camp.

Sitaula was nominated a general secretary by Koirala after the 2010 general convention. Sitaula, a close confidante of the late Girija Prasad Koirala, worked closely with Sushil during the constitution drafting process. However, relations between Sushil and Sitaula soured later.

Sushil Koirala and Deuba are effortful to garner Poudel’s support in their election bid. According to sources, Deuba is likely to offer the Parliamentary Party leadership to Poudel if he supports the former.

Koirala would also make efforts to retain Poudel in the establishment faction. Poudel, however, feels that he has been cheated by both the leaders in the past. According to one of his aides, he might not make a trade-off this time around.

Top leaders Prakash Man Singh, Ram Sharan Mahat, Arjun Narsingh KC, Bimalendra Nidhi and Purna Bahadur Khadka are eyeing high positions. The top leaders are working to win over these influential leaders.