This document summarizes a 4-day leadership development training program held in Nepal for youth leaders of the Nepali Congress party. The training was organized by the National Democratic Institute and had 26 participants, mostly under 40 years old, from across Nepal. It covered topics like democracy, political parties, gender, youth, and local/national government. Discussion focused on increasing women's participation and addressing marginalized groups. The goal was to strengthen multiparty democracy and grassroots political engagement in Nepal.
1. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINING
(Key Words — democracy, leadership, socialist, state, absolute
power, monarchy, king, fund raising, communication, etc.)
TRAINING REPORT
Submitted to:
USAID/National Democratic Institute for International Affairs
(NDI/Nepal)
Pradhan Villa
Lazimpat
Kathmandu (Nepal)
Submitted by:
Raj Kumar Pandey, MBS, MA
GPO BOX: 19862, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur
Kathmandu, Nepal
Mobile: 98510-86884
rajkpandey2000@yahoo.com
rajkpandey2000@hotmail.com
rajkpandey2000@gmail.com
rajkpandey2000@yahoo.com 1
2. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Background
National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is a USA based non-profit
and non-governmental organization working to strengthen and expand the democracy
worldwide. NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing
democratic values, practices and institutions through a global network of its volunteer
experts. It works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic
organizations, safeguard election and promote citizen participation, and accountability of
the government for openness.
NDI has been working in Nepal since 1994 and supporting in several ways to strengthen
the democratic values. NDI/Nepal supported to conduct the political party poll-watcher
training; developing code of conduct; strengthening legislative committee structure;
promoting civic education and increasing women’s participation in the government.
As a part of its regular activities, NDI/Nepal designed a training package for Leadership
Development Training Program to support the potentials in the major political parties of
Nepal. As a result, NDI/Nepal organized a 4-day Training Program for the youth leaders
of the Nepali Congress (NC) Party from 14-17th of September 2005.
Total 26 participants including 9 women, representing 24 districts, took part on the
training. Approximately 75% of the participants were under the age group of 40, which is
supposed to be as a youth leader in the context of Nepal. 5 Resource Persons from NC,
who had previously taken part on the Training of Trainers (ToT) Course, facilitated the
entire training sessions. (See Annex-1 for the list of participants and facilitators).
Training Objectives
To achieve long-term success of multiparty system and democracy in Nepal;
To generate strong link between the national leadership of the parties and the
grassroots base;
To provide understanding of the basic theories of democracy;
To discuss about an effective political party; and
To understand role of women and youth representatives in leadership.
Training Methodology
The training was divided into nine modules and different methodologies such as lectures,
group discussions, role-play, simulation, presentation, etc. were used. At the end of the
day, evaluation form was distributed to collect the feedbacks for future improvement. The
training was entirely participatory flowed by several exercises and games to make it more
practical and effective.
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3. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Inaugural Session
Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, NC Central Committee Member, was invited as a Chief Guest.
Mr. Brikhesh Chandra Lal, Resource Person, welcomed Dr. Mahat and Ms. Kury
Cobham, NDI/Nepal Resident Director at the dash for the formal inauguration of the
training program. Mr. Lal also delivered a welcome speech and expressed his gratitude
towards NDI/Nepal for supporting political parties in strengthening the democracy in
Nepal. He stressed the need of such training for the leadership development and expected
that the NDI/Nepal will certainly continue its supports even in the future.
Ms. Kury Cobham, NDI/Nepal Resident Director expressed the concluding remarks of
the inaugural session. She thanked all the participants for coming to attend the training
from the different parts of the country. Moreover, she introduced herself and her staff
members. She expected that the 4-day training program will be highly fruitful and
requested all for their active participation. She also stressed possibilities of partnership
activities even in the future.
Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, NC Central Committee Member, delivered his inaugural speech
and briefly gave introduction of the NDI. He added that the NDI is for the promotion of
democracy and it is working in enhancing the democratic values in several countries. He
further highlighted that Nepal is also in need of more democratic values that includes
constitution, inclusiveness, decentralization, etc.
He further stressed that the political parties should internalized the democratic values in
their leadership within their parties. Dr. Mohat also suggested to keep the mind opened
for learning process that can be disseminated to other grassroots level cadres. Moreover,
he further emphasized that acquired knowledge will support the party to attract others,
mobilize resources and face the new challenges. Finally, he concluded that such training
is even essential for top-level leaders.
Mrs. Kamala Thapa expressed the vote of thanks and viewed all are equally intellectual
so that the resource persons will also get an opportunity for a mutual learning from the
participants. She also justified the need of such training to enhance the democracy and
empower the organizational skills. She further added for understanding of the internal
structure of the party. She finally thanked NDI/Nepal, Chief Guest and all the participants
for their cooperation.
Mr. Man Bahadur Biswakarma expressed the remarks from the Chair and emphasized the
need of transferring knowledge to others within the party. He also thanked NDI/Nepal
and Chief Gust for taking part in the program. At the same time, all congratulated Mr.
Biswakarma for wining Central Committee Member in the recently held NC convention.
Moreover, Mr. Biswakarma and his team informed that he used the same tools and
techniques to win his election, that was acquired in the similar training which he had
previously attended. Prior to start of module first, all participants introduced him/herself
with name, based constituency area and designation within the NC Party.
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4. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
MODULE-1: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL PARTIES
The facilitator briefly outlined about the first module and tried to understand the level of
knowledge of participants on the issue of democracy.
Conceptual Framework of Democracy
The resource person collected the inputs from all the participants to understand the know-
how level of participants on the issues of democracy. The Democracy is:
To carry on the activities independently;
Legitimate rights;
Good governance: rule by the people and for the people;
Freedom of speech for the human rights;
Demos-crates for other nations but it is a people’s ruling; and
To provide equality
Some participants also raised the question that should we say prajatantra or loktanntra
since in ancient time the direct rule was by the king so it was fine to say prajatantra but
now the scenario has been changed. However, the forum agreed that it was due to the
translation. The British rule was influenced by monarchy and Indian translators used the
term prajatantra (rule by king) that was entered into Nepali politics in a face value.
After inputs collection, the trainer said that the democracy is not a one-time development
but it is a gradual process. Around 500 years ago before the Christ was born, the people’s
leaders, who were against the monarch in Greece, realized that the demos (people) should
decide to rule. Whereas, the concept of republic was emerged in Venus, which is, to some
extend, similar in nature with democracy, as in both system, the people decide for their
rulers. It is also said that the ancient King Janak in Mithila was a presidential type of king
and Baisali state had flowed a republican system of ruling in the historical context of
Indian sub-continent.
Democracy is the function of government by the people, for the people and of the people
(Abraham Lincoln). The democracy is a process where majority has to be given priority
and its decisions are implemented in the rules.
The democracy must be ‘by the people’ to make it strong. It is a system that must focused
for short-term and/or long-term benefits to the people. Moreover, in the modern context,
the fundamental requirements for an effective democracy are:
1) Area (State);
2) People (Voters);
3) Continuation of Decisions;
4) Patriotism (Feelings of Nationalism); and
5) People’s Acceptance
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5. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Conceptual Clarity of the Politics
Politics is directly related with the power under certain norms that we achieve through
different procedures. In achieving the power, different political parties use different
framework. Participants, however, raised the flowing debatable issues on this definition:
Is Maoist political party or not as it has been using weapons in achieving power?
NC and then Marxist-Leninist also used the weapon previously in achieving the
power so the Maoist is also a political party.
To be a party in Nepal, it must be registered in the Election Commission, so that
Maoist is not a political party.
Can only registered party address the national issues?
Can we only call them parties who formulated the constitution of Nepal?
However, some participants suggested not to make this training as a place for debate,
NC’s forum and confusion creating place. Finally, the trainees agreed to make themselves
disciplined and resource person justified that the NC is a legalized party. Its policy is to
eradicate poverty and its goals are to create civil societies. It is for the people and its
decisions are implemented only for the welfare of people. The NC goes to the people for
election, forms a government, implements manifesto and runs the programs. But, a
trainee disagreed on it and said that the election is only a strategy not the objectives and
goals of any parties.
Political Parties, Gender and Youth
The trainers, first of all, asked some questions to the participants about the roles and
responsibilities of youth and women in the party. Who makes committeeman to the voters
during election?
There were mixed responses such as campaign members, males, females, youths, a
person who goes to the field, election manifesto itself is a commitment, the party not the
person. The views of the trainees were divided into for and against on this issue and
finally all agreed to make a ground rule for the training:
Raise hand to ask the question
Only same person should talk whom the trainer asks the question
No side talk, and
Off the mobile during class
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6. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Status of Women and Youth
The facilitator again asked that who is involved in writing the manifesto of the party? A
lady said that it is obviously males but another participant suggested to divide the group
so that different opinions could be incorporated.
The trainer, eventually, divided the trainees into three groups and different questions
were asked for them. Who (male or female) works as volunteers? Who (male or female)
is in leadership? Who gets an opportunity for training? Who collects money? Who
participates in the media?
The participants, ultimately, concluded that women and youth are given least priority in
the party in several activities particularly in the decision making process. Moreover, the
party will remain weak until it includes women and youth in its mainstream. The forum
also suggested the flowing:
Party has used all to accomplish its activities and achieve the goals but women
and youth lack opportunity in the decision making process.
Until NC is able to mobilize and activate the women and youth, the participants
viewed that, it is less participatory in the NC structure.
Women must be provided more opportunities, leadership and citizenship rights.
How to Include Women in NC Structure?
Training programs to its women supporters
Advocacy for women and youth
Arrange quota system
Moreover, participants also raised the issues of Dalit, Jan-Jati, marginalized, scheduled
casts and ethnicities’ problems in Nepal. They also suggested to change the traditional
biasness towards women and marginalized communities of Nepal.
Functions of Political Parties
Politics is the process and method of making decisions for the groups and any activities
aimed at influencing those decisions. Politics can be defined as an organization that
subscribes a certain ideology and sets to attain in political power within a government.
The political party’s policies often represent at an aggregation of interest with all.
Generally, the major functions of any political parties are: to plan and formulate visions,
goals, strategies, campaign, election, implement policies, form government, etc. that are
cyclic in nature.
A participant raised the question that if the system collapsed, do we need to take
part in election?
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7. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Party System
A single party system, in which only one political party is legally active and it is
allowed to hold the effective power.
Two party systems are such a state such as in USA and Jamaica, in which there
are two dominant parties.
Multiparty systems are in nations like Canada and UK, where there may be two
strong parties and others are weak. However, in some rare cases such as in
Finland, the nation may have active three party systems, where all there parties
routinely hold the top office.
Direction of the Political Parties
Left oriented parties are more radical, they claim they are more progressive and
take strong stand on their ideology. Communist parties are said to be left oriented
parties in the context of Nepal.
Right oriented parties are conservative and traditional by their nature
Parliamentary democracy is opposed to the authoritarian or totalitarian attitude.
A participant raised the question that is NC right or left oriented party since we
call ourselves “centralist” but we have recently changed our bidhan. Hence, are
we leftist? central leftist or rightist? However, all agreed that the NC should be
called as Central Left Party in the context of present phenomena.
Many parties have formal and/or informal functions and they have different views
on the policy directions.
One gentleman put forwarded his opinion that NC is generally represented for the
elite groups in Nepal. However, the resource person explained that it is the matter
of separate discussion, debate and discourse.
MODULE-2: UNDERSTANDING NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The participants were divided into 5 groups and questions were given on the lottery basis.
It was a quiz context on governmental issues. Total 20 questions were asked and out of
them 14 were correct replies. (See Training Manual For Questions).
Furthermore, again 3 groups were divided to discuss the following questions and present
them after completing the group work.
What is the structure and functions of the VDC, Village Council, Municipality
and Municipal Committee?
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8. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
What is structure and functions of DDC and DDC Council?
What are major objectives of the Local Government? Why is it necessary? How it
is effective?
Functions of VDC Council
Approval of Budget
Imposing of Tax
Decision for Loan
Advance Settlement
Disposal, Transfer or Selling of Fixed/Current Assets
Approval of Salary for the Locally Appointed Staff
Giving Direction to the VDCs
Evaluation and Monitoring of Developmental Activities
Similarly, functions of VDCs are to implement VDC Council decisions and management
of the local disasters. And, the municipalities’ functions are as above but it has broader
developmental responsibilities.
Functions of DDC Council
Approval of DDC Plans and Proposals
Giving Necessary Instructions to DDC
Formulation of Plans and Policies
To Give Decisions for DDC
Delegation of Authority
Approval for the selling of current or fixed assets
The DDCs, on the other hand, has to perform to implement the DDC Council decisions,
coordination between I/NGOs, and monitoring and evaluation of VDCs, etc.
Objectives and Need of Local Government
To increase the people’s participation at local level
To increase inter-communication system
To identify and solve the local problems
To develop local leaders
To report the local problems to the central government
To enhance the effectiveness of decentralization
To delegate the central rights to local level
To measure the effectiveness of plans at local level
To utilize maximum local resources
To keep financial transparency
To include ethnicity and gender into mainstream
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9. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
To give feelings of rights and responsibilities to the local people
To make local ownership
A Participant raised the question that why the local government is called permanent? Is it
really for 5 years’ full tenure?
The resource person explained that as there is no provision of no confidence motion, no
provision of ideologically manipulating elected members, no provision of buying and
selling as we have seen in MPs, tenure can be added for more than five years so that the
local government can function its full tenure that is why it is called as permanent
government. Another participants added that the local government is also an autonomous
body since there is no central intervention.
The resource person shared about the need of decentralization with giving an example of
Rana period as it took 6 months to deliver the service of fire brigade to put off the fire in
the jungle of Tarai. He informed that the power can be delegated by 3 Ds:
De-concentration is just to spread the power but there is no public rights
De-legation of power provides certain rights to someone but it can be taken back
at any time without any reasons.
De-volution of power is giving permanent solution and rights to the local level by
means of rules and regulations.
DDC Vs Municipality
There is a conflict between DDC and Municipality on the issues of superiority and line of
command. For this purpose, the facilitator divided trainees into two groups just to make
debate and discourse on these issues. The main logics are:
The HMGN directly releases the budget to the Municipalities whereas VDCs
receive it through DDC
It is due to remoteness of VDCs, required budget to be canalized through DDC
It is not only due to lack of structure but it is also availability of bank account
with Municipalities
It is not only matter of bank account but it is due to technical structure
The Mayer of Katmandu is equivalent to a state minister but what about DDC
Chairman?
DDC Council is superior as it directs to the Municipality
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10. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Mayer is member of the DDC Council so legally the Municipality must be within
the umbrella of DDC Council
There are sufficient resources with the Municipality and additional functional
activities but DDC lacks them
Finally, a resource person, who used to be a Vice-Mayer, shared his experience on these
practical issues and concluded as:
There is big problem for the coordination between DDC and Municipalities.
The municipalities’ natures are urban, densely populated but VDC has reversed.
Municipal citizens are highly educated but VDC has high illiteracy rate
Municipalities have comparatively better infrastructure facilities along with
several problems so that the provision of decentralization has attempted to address
all these issues.
Moreover, the government also has to discuss about the rural-urban linkage seriously. As
conclusion, the Municipalities must work under the umbrella and direction of the DDC.
Finally, at the end of the day, an evaluation form was distributed to all the participants for
their feedback on the entire training sessions of the day. Moreover, all participants were
given assignment on leadership inventory that includes 50 questionnaires. (See Training
Manual for Reference)
Morning Shows the Day
The second day started with an energetic hopes and the resource person welcomed all the
participants. The previous day’s lessons were reviewed. For this purpose, a ball was
randomly given to the participants, the ball catcher was asked to comment and review the
previous topics which s/he liked most.
Best Discussions on Previous Modules
VDC Structure
Quiz Context
Role of Women and Youth
Decentralization and 3Ds
Political Party System
Political Party Direction
Inter-Ideological Values
DDC Committee Structure
Provision of Budget Release
Debate on DDC Vs Municipality
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11. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
The resource person asked, if someone was interested, to share his/her nature, weakness
and strength based on the leadership inventory. Three participants shared their natures
and on the basis of that further discussion was related with the types of leaders.
MODULE-3: LEADERSHIP SKILLS
The main objectives of the module were to develop the leadership quality, build self-
confidence and self-esteemed. All participants were asked to do an exercise based on the
training manual that is related with the self-assessment. On the basis of exercise, the
resource person asked all to tally the confidence level of the participants.
The forum also discussed on the issue of women empowerment and youth leadership. A
lady strongly suggested that the quota system must be implemented immediately but the
NC Policy has stressed for the gradual inclusion of women into its mainstream. But,
remaining participants added that all marginalized group should also be included as soon
as possible into the mainstream of the NC. There was a discussion which technical term
is better to use among inclusion, opportunity and empowerment. Finally, resource person
explained that empowerment is the best term but how can we define it:
Empowerment is to Provide:
Opportunity
Freedom of speech
Positions
Awareness
Responsibilities
Power and authority
Chances for decision-making and to:
Build capacity
Stop exploitation
Make capable for speech
However, some participants had a benefit of doubt that if quota system is implemented,
the elites eventually snatch the benefits with the means of hanky panky.
Similarly, our socio-cultural values are not supportive in empowering the women so that,
first of all, we have to build their capacities. Moreover, in the name of empowering
weaker groups, the elites generally prefer ‘yes’ man so that they can use them for their
vested interest.
Leadership Qualities
Participants on these issues voiced that they talk about leadership and expect that their
leaders should use proper presentation skill, must be conscious, logical and effective so
that they can trust their leader. An ideal leader should have flowing characteristics:
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12. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
An Ideal Leader Must Be:
Capable
Honest
Conscious
Good Moral
Independent
Accountable
Philosophical
Transparent
Open Minded
Broader Hearted
Futuristic
Intellectual
Self-Confident
The participants also suggested that their leader should not hold extra positions, s/he must
have value of ‘we’ not ‘I’ and financial transparence is the most essential requirement.
Moreover, a leader must have respect in the societies, serious study of theoretical and
practical aspect of subjects, patience and courageous, decision making capacity, simple
physical appearance and friendly, specialized talent and genius, and feeling of sacrifice
and service oriented towards flowers. The resource person divided all participants into
three groups into leader and delegations from the rural district. The two delegation groups
discussed about their problems and finally approached to the leaders with some demands
for solution. The simulation was related to the salt and fertilizer shortage in their
respective districts. The leader group, in the capacity of minister, listened them and
assured for solution.
The resource person, after observing the simulated dialogs among the team, suggested
that delegation must approach with proper planning and preparation. Similarly, s/he also
suggested that any idea might seem vacuum at the very inception but it has to be given
proper shape and size as we give dimension to a point (.). When a person has an idea,
s/he must give it certain direction by properly planning and implementing it. Finally, the
knowledge will get existence and goals will be achieved in a long run. The trainer, further
draw scattered points (::) on the white board and interpreted that nothing is concrete in its
shape but leaders have to make themselves organized and disciplined. For this, a leader
has to empower the flowers.
Empowerment Strategies
Identify the Problem
Commitment or Self-Determination
Knowledge of own Capacity
Formulation of Planning
Implementation
Evaluation and Re-Planning
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13. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Moreover, the trainer also used the “role play’ method to influence a lady not to take part
in politics, to convince a minister to get business contract and so on. Finally, he linked it
to the leadership and empowerment.
Moreover, a game was used and interpreted that the flowers goes to the same direction as
per the instructions of the leaders. Participants, after observing the game, added that a
leader must consult with their flowers, there must be proper coordination while making
any discussions, directions and implementation to achieve the target. Similarly, all tried
to relate it with their own leaders and pointed out a gap between themselves. They also
interpreted that their leaders are asking them to fight and they are blindly supporting their
instructions. Moreover, they also concluded that a leader should not be detector since the
flowers has to sacrifice due to wrong instructions of their leaders.
Types of Leadership
Democrat
Autocrat
Leissez-Fair
Vanguard
The facilitator presented the types of leadership and their natures. S/he further added that
some leaders are quality dominating while others are situation dominating. As a summing
up, the leadership is:
Direction for the common welfare of a party or group
A process of influencing others in a special circumstances and social settings
Direction in accordance with the interest of the society or team
Supervision and management of group and organization
To motivate self and others
To lead the people walk besides them….As for the best leaders the people do not
notice their existence. The next best the people honor and praise; the next people
fear; and the next the people hate; when the best leaders’ work is done; the people
say “we did it ourselves”-Laotse
Things may come to those who wait-Lincoln
A vanguard leader should have: (+) Thoughts; (-) Inequality and Discrimination;
(x) Unity and (Divide) Responsibility.
Requirements For Leadership
Influential Personality
Mix-up in the group
Self Confidence
Persuading Speech
Diplomatic Nature
Mediation Ability
Higher Education
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14. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Familiar with Problems of the Societies
Sacrifice, Courage and Commitment
Capable to Handle the Reverse Circumstances
Responsible towards Duties
MODULE-4: PARTY REFORMS
Three groups were divided to discuss about the party reform. 1-2-3 method was used to
form the group. Lottery system was used to provide the questions for group discussion.
The questions were: Classify the NC structure on the basis of geography, functional units
and organization? How NC raises fund and mobilize it? Suggest three ways for fund
raising? Last group was given quiz-type objective questions regarding NC’s year of
establishment, founder members, objectives, requirement to be a member, etc.
NC Structure (Organizational Based)
Nepal Women Sangha
Student Sangha
Tarun Dal
Peasant Sangha
Dalit Sangha
Ex-Army Sangha
Democratic Senani Sangha
Janjati and Aadhibashi Sangha
Booth Sangh
NC Structure (Geographical Based)
Convention Committee
Central Working Committee
Development Regional Coordination Committee
Foreign Area Committee
District Working Committee
Illaka Working Committee
VDC Committee
Ward Committee
Booth Committee
NC Structure (Functional Unit Based)
Organization Bibhag
Women Bibhag
Coordination Bibhag
Policy and Program Bibhag
Training Bibhag
Intellectual and Professional Bibhag
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15. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
NC’s Fund Raising
Membership Fee
Levy
Donation
Contribution
Others (Selling of fixed or current assets, cultural program, book selling, etc.)
Participants suggested that party’s bank account must be properly maintained; annual
auditing system must be implemented, and account signatory must be Party President and
Koshaadhakchy but all expenses should be done by the working committee decision.
Participants also discussed regarding the relationship of the NC with other international
institutions, its social-attitude, etc. However, the participants concluded that due to the
trend of globalization and open economy, NC could not maintain ideology of socialism.
SWOT Analysis of NC
Strength Weakness
Historical Background Corruption
Mass-Based Party Lack of Training
Ideological Consistency Lack of Institutional Development
Experienced Leadership Lack of Internal Democracy
International Recognization Lack of Evaluation and Monitoring
National Acceptability Lack of Inclusiveness
Grassroots Based Party Lack of Inter-Party Communication
Imbalanced Representation
Family Domination
Statute/Charter Not Flowed
Opportunity Threat
Democratic Party Central Party
No Alternative Democratic Parties King’s Dictatorship
Possibility For Government Maoist
International Relationship Penetration (Ghus-Paitha)
Leader of Democratic Movements Internal Conflict Management
Leadership Role for Conflict Internal Democracy
Member of Socialist International Conduct/Moral/Style of Leadership
Central Fair Party Ideological Bichalan
Conservative Party
Militarization
Comparison of NC and UML’s Statutes
Resource person tried to present comparison on the statutes of the NC and UML but most
of the participants did not agreed at all on this comparison.
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16. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Some raised the issue that UML is more democratic in its nature as all the central level
members are elected but NC has the provision of appointing its central level members.
Nepali Congress (NC) United Marxist Leninist (UML)
Democratic goal, liberal ideology, Communist goal, class oriented
and its ideology accepted by all philosophy & unacceptable ideology
Democratic organizational structure Communist type of social structure
and possibilities of confidence and and individual’s legitimate rights
self-esteem development are suppressed
Influence of one-man leadership Decision by high command
To provide leadership to party To provide leadership to party
Devotion and loyal towards party Devotion and loyal towards party
Provides cooperation to the party as Provides cooperation to the party as
much as possible much as possible
Role in the decision making and Decision is rigid as communist style
weak party discipline Supply from internal source
Supply from internal source International relation non-
Open and transparent transparent
For next session, participants were divided into three group to discussed the issues and
present them. The main topics for group work were: 1) What is an internal democracy?
Make plan to strengthen the internal democracy within the NC. 2) How policies are
formed within the NC? Suggest us to reform the democratic policies and NC manifesto.
If there are some obstacles to be a candidate, what they are? Are they justifiable? Is there
provision of any encouragements for women, dalit and jan-jati to be a candidate? If not,
what should we do? 3) What is the flow of information within NC? What are the media to
disseminate the information? What is vertical and horizontal communication? Suggest
three ideas to improve the effective communication within NC.
Characteristics of Internal Democracy
Transparent
Accountable
Rights for Self-Decision
Participation on Decision
Freedom on Competition
Respect of Majority
Easy and Equal Opportunity to Reach in the Decisions
Benefits of Internal Democracy
Belongingness
Strong Party
Increases Inclusion
Emerges Good Ideas
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17. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Plan for Internal Democracy
Create environment for discussion and include all opinions
Permanent election mechanism
Implementation of Statutes
Respect different opinions
Discourage interferences
Policy Making Process and Improvement
ProposalsPolicy Making CommitteeNC Convention
NC should bring opinions from VDCs to prepare more democratic policies
There should be provision of 10 years tenure for the Central Committee, 15 years
for member Sabhapati and 5 years for district Sabhapati.
There is no encouragement for woman development so that NC should make
provision of quota sytem, political training, capacity development and increase in
equality for the women.
Information Flow in NC
NC has been using both vertical and horizontal communication for effective flow of the
message. NC has to create Publicity Committee and increase number of community
radios. The media for communication are:
Press Release
Postering
Pamphlet
Mukh-patra
Letters
Fax
Telephone
Radio
Training Opportunity in NC
The participants suggested that NC’s Training Committee has not functioning effectively
and cadres need to be clear about its policy directions. NC should provide training on:
leadership development, management, organizing, accounting, gender and NC’s policies
and programs related issues which are essential for its cadres.
The training will make party structure stronger, create financial transparency, render
knowledge on the gender issues and understating level of policies and programs will be
increase among cadres.
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18. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
MODULE-5: PARTY MESSAGE AND PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT
The objectives of this module were to provide participants about the importance of party
message and action plan; to provide knowledge for the development of party message; to
discuss about action plan and developing the solutions on the issues raised by the party.
For this purpose, a trainee, with closed eyes, passed the ball but people could not catch it,
then the trainer interpreted it that a message must be focused, leader should have opened
eyes and concentration is essential in delivering the massage. Massage must be:
Attractive
Short
Simple
Easy understanding
Positive
Unique
Fact Based
Repeatable
Mind Blowing
Moreover, a lengthy massage was transferred on the ear-to-ear basis and ultimately its
original form was altered. On the basis of this exercise, the trainer explained the need of
short massage. Similarly, s/he divided the people into three groups and they were asked
to prepare message for election campaign. All presented their assignments and members
gave feedback for improvements. They concluded that message must be motivational,
optimistic and positive. However, some participants differed in these views and explained
that in the context of Nepal, only message cannot motivate people.
The trainer further explained about the message transferring process. Sender, receiver,
message and medium are essential for effective communication.
Party Platform
Directing on political manner to the party
It is expanding message and policy to the pubic
It is units of organizational structure of the party
The facilitator asked questions that why the participants chose the NC? Why they were
attracted towards it? How did they know about NC at first? Participants responded their
opinions as: NC being a socialist party, it was funded by BP, due to struggle of the
founder members, its source of power is public, its values are democratic societies, it
believes on co-existence, it fought against Rana regime, it has goodwill, public trust on
this party, it addresses the people’s problems, historical background, etc. were the reason
to chose the NC. Moreover some participants shared their experience that their relatives
were NC worker so that they influenced by them.
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19. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Participants also concluded that NC is not able to develop a party platform to inform all.
The platform is not a forum but it is a direction of the party, as constitution of UN has its
Charter, Beijing Charter for gender issues and Geneva Convention for ILO. Moreover,
the trainees also agreed that NC has no party platform yet but it has developed a Party’s
Working Direction in its recent convention.
A group assignment was given to participants to discuss on: Women empowerment in
NC, Maoist problem and NC, and Monarchy, present context and NC. The participants
were asked to prepare a platform on these issues and present it in next day.
Expansion of Organization
The main objectives were: to give knowledge about the advantages of expanding party to
the new areas, to know the method of obtaining prospective voters, conduct research and
mobilize them, to practice in bringing new members in the party and to develop branches
in preparing framework of branch office and understanding their roles in the party.
The NC organogram was presented and informed all about the current NC structure. The
trainees further discussed about it in detail.
Moreover, there will be core members, supporters and undecided voters so that a party
has to attract neutrals but the opposition is always active to reach to these groups. Several
tactical strategies have to be developed to bring them into the party, which is challenging
responsibilities of the party workers.
The group also discussed about the NC action plans to bring and expand the number of
members and concluded that NC has strong network with the grassroots and it has to be
more active to attract prospective women, youth into the NC.
The Main Logics
Do we need to make loyal towards NC to the undecided or only supporters?
We individually cannot expand so that party has to initiate to bring them into NC.
Party has the policy to expand but NC has to educate and train prospective so that
the prospective will became members.
We are working through traditional manners but we need to use new tools.
They are supporter but if we make them core members, then are we democrat?
Our goal is to attract them, we do not enforce them, but if they are ready to join us
we cannot stop them.
Should our program only concern to the core and undecided?
Core members do not change the party so that undecided must be our focused.
There was further exercise for participants and they were divided into three groups
including candidate, supporters, undecided and opposition. Finally, they presented
their discussion outcomes by means of role-playing and it was flowed by comments
and feedbacks.
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20. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
The discussion agreed that the door-to-door campaign is effective tool to attract the
prospective to the party and group visit with pamphlet, wall painting and maiking can
be used for this purpose. However, religious places should not be used for the
political activities as people hardly welcome it.
NC’s Approach on Election
Functions at election
Door-to-Door activities
Talking against communist
Group visit with pamphlet
Wall painting
Maiking
A participant expressed that due to deep-rotted ethnicity problem in Tarai, we are
hardly able to include scheduled cast in our campaign since other upper casts do not
welcome them at their home but it would be better if we could make our team
colorful. Remaining participants also suggested that:
Carry on the activities according to age group
Frequently visit the voters not only during election
Launch social work activities for the people in problem and who are in need
Make slogans that can address to the problems of the people
While preparing action plan at the center, also listen views of the grassroots
Our main target must be village so that we have to win their souls
MODULE-6: PARTY OUTREACH
Collect information
Carry on research
Identify target group
Prepare strategy
Prepare party message
Deliver the message
Method and Medium for Message Delivery
Members
Media
Postal service
Electronic means
Telephone
Manifesto
Banner
Mike
Drama
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21. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Tea Party
Posters
Brushers
Wall Painting
Public Meeting
Puppet Shows
Statutes
Social Work
Press conference
Community meeting
Songs/Games/Quiz
Corner meeting
Door-to-Door visit
The facilitator further divided all the participants for group work. Five persons were
selected as leader and they simulated their speech on the current political affairs and
they visited people’s doors. They tried to convince the general people to support them
on the election. After closely observing the role-play, resource person gave practical
feedbacks to the players and highlighted the importance of message delivery though
door-to-door visits.
Pros and Cons of Door-to-Door Visit
Different views can be collected
Direct feedback
Some people may be aggressive, bios and hostile
Some people may be good listeners, intellectual and positive
Some may be opposition supports and cadres
However, we have to manage the campaign members’ attitudes and behaviors. And,
s/he further differentiated among friends, members and supporters. For this purpose,
s/he shared his experience of dealing with the senior level central level NC leaders
and also brainstormed the participants. S/he further explained that friends generally
join the party due to:
Ideological similarity
Equal treatment
To obtain opportunity
Cooperative motive
To make wider circle
To fulfill vested interest
S/he also suggested to appreciate new comers and recognize the contribution of the
old friends and he emphasized that to get success we must practice the knowledge.
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22. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
MODULE-7: ELECTION CAMPAIGNING
The main objectives of this module were to render knowledge and skills on planning,
and organizing successful election campaign at district level. Participants were asked
their experience while they were candidate for their election.
Some participants were winner whereas some were looser in the district and village
level elections. The resource person explained that there are always some reasons
behind loosing the election. One participant, who had won DDC election, was
analyzed as case study.
Reasons of Winning
Due to attitude of the candidate
Successful campaign
Incapable competitor
Trust of the people
Candidate was young and educated
The constituency was educated area
Campaign management is also essential tool to win an election where
resources particularly time, manpower and money is managed.
Loosing election means loosing everything in the context of Nepal
Generally in the democratic societies, candidates manage resources,
only when s/he gets tickets for the election.
The party must manage resources prior to election.
Parry and candidate have to do proper homework before election.
There must be teamwork and need to develop local strategy.
An ambitious person definitely achieves aim, sooner or letter!
The trainer asked participants about the management of resources during election. One
participants shared his experience that during MPs election, when his leader as an MP
candidate, used to deliver his speech, the cadres used to collect donations on the spot.
Some participants suggested that the resources should be mobilized and managed by not
merely candidate but by party. Others suggested that there should be provision of vote for
the party not for the candidate However, we do not have such provision in the present
constitution and it is also impossible hypothesis since there will be possibility of conflict
in the party regarding the distribution of candidates after the election.
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23. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Some candidate explained that they distribute cash and kinds during election to persuade
voters and how effective it is? Another participants added that without hanky-panky, it is
impossible to win the election.
Election Campaign
The trainer presented a hypothetical data, map and other details including action plan of a
constituency area. Finally, it was discussed that how to raise the fund and win the hearts
of the people. The participants explained that the senior leaders influence the decisions
but candidate must be given freedom to persuade the target groups.
While party conducts a campaign, several factors needed to be seriously considered.
Location for speech, timing, central locality, distribution of ethnicity, accessibility, etc.
are major factors to make the campaign success or failure. Moreover, financial resources
also play vital role for this purpose. Several committee and-sub-committee can be created
to organize the successful election campaign.
A participant suggested NDI/Nepal to correct the training manual that stresses not to
contact opposition during campaign. S/he shared his experience that he was able to bring
several opposition workers into his party during his election campaign.
Trainer showed the different photo collections from newspapers and message carried out
in those pictures. S/he also presented some election slogans and interpreted them. Finally,
s/he instructed for teamwork to prepare election campaign planning, strategies, slogans
and management of time, manpower and money.
Group members presented their assignment and remaining participants commented on it.
The exercise contained constituency area, number of voters including total population.
Major agendas of the group work for the election campaign were: citizenship, sanitation,
education, gender, transportation, telecommunication, irrigation, fertilizer, electrification,
employment, drinking water, agriculture, etc. Moreover, they also presented techniques
for the campaign and formed hypothetical committees for resource management.
The dummy candidates delivered their simulated speech and the slogans were made even
in local language. Most of the candidates raised the local problems and issues that made
the role-play realistic. Their committees were to mobilize mainly youth, women and they
had also created a monitoring committee for the election campaign.
MODULE-8: EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDIA
The main objectives of this module were to develop strategy for the access to the media
and to acquire practical knowledge to use the media effectively.
The participants discussed on the issues of communication, good relationship with media
and pros and cons of media.
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24. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Communication is: media to convey the message; method of transferring opinions to the
target group; making informed to the citizen; to deliver scattered opinions in a organized
form; to inform hidden agendas and express the opinions.
All information is communication, it may be one or two way or horizontal or vertical.
There are two types of communication i.e. formal and informal. Party’s documents are
formal since they are in written form and which is publish in newspapers. Dissemination
of information by media is formal whereas those facts which are not delivered through
media are informal communication. Informal message is not in a specific shape but it
takes time to spread it through the door-to-door approach. However, the published news
is formal which covers wider coverage such as TV, radio and newspapers.
The media has global access so that a leader must maintain balanced relationship with it.
When there is identity crisis, a leader approaches to the media but for the successful
leader, media keeps on searching. However, a leader must maintain balanced relationship
i.e. neither so long nor short with the media.
The participants were grouped into leaders, workers and media persons and role-play
method was used to differentiate the attitudes of leaders towards the media. Some leaders
highly prefer media, some are balanced with it and others avoid it.
Lessons from Simulation
• Media will enhance the leader, if s/he maintains good relationship
• If leader avoids the media, the media house may act as anti-leader
• The media only supports those leaders who are balanced.
The participants were asked to present the previously assigned task on the issues of NC’s
working direction for the future.
NC and Women
NC should focused in empowering women
Certain seats of quota is essential for women at central level
Citizen rights for women is necessary
NC and King
Role of monarchy should be seriously discussed
NC has to make role of monarchy as a matter of debate and discourse up to the
grassroots level
NC is always against the dictatorship so that NC has to make republic system and
it should make it as agenda
NC should include policy of abolishing monarchy from Nepal forever
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25. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
NC has to think clearly how can we abolish the monarchy? NC has to develop a
strategy for this purpose. Should we seek support of foreign nations to intervene
the monarchy or working in a partnership with other parties?
King, not by words, but by action has to be democrats
NC also has to think the consequences after abolishing the monarchy? What
system will NC establish after abolishment of the monarch?
NC and Maoist
Maoist and king both are dictators so that NC should not be closed with them.
Conflict can be solved only through dialog but Maoist has to manage its weapons.
And, other parties should create atmosphere for Maoist to lunch its political
activities as a party
Maoist agendas are related with the national issues so that NC also needs to
address them.
UN mediation is essential to solve the Maoist problem
But at present context, establishment of democracy is more important than Maoist
The resource person discussed the relationship of NC with the media. The NC and media
has bad relationship at organizational level but at individual level it is satisfactory. The
NC leadership has feeling of ego due to its historical background. Press department is not
effective. The media houses obtained license by means of paying money to NC ministers
so that they do not cooperate NC at time of need. NC has no media plans and strategies.
When NC needs media, just calls them so that NC must prepare media strategy. The
resource person also presented the PowerPoint. The main highlights were:
Print media will appreciate if we provide them press release, photos, articles and
approach them. The media may lack contents to publish so that we can be helpful
for them if we provided them our news and views on need.
Voters prefer to vote only those, whom they know, the media gives publicity to
the leaders so that media is a mass communication collectively
Contact media person frequently and appreciate and maintain better relationship
with the supportive media. Treat media worker as friend not as a worker.
Make committee for media handling
Select proper channel as per target groups
Review the media plan according to the situations
Use KISS method
Write letters to publishers
Provide advertisements to the media
Know the newspaper publication day and before it provide them articles
Invite electronic media for press conference and provide them the press release
Convince program produces and presenters that you have raised the vital issues
Get supports from those media persons who has soft corner towards you
Internet also can be used to convey the message
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26. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Effective Press Release
Heading in bold letters
Starting must be interesting
Language must be simple
Make it short
Keep necessary margin
It must contain 5 Wh questions
Confirm to the publisher whether s/he received or not
MODULE-9: PUBLIC SPEAKING
The resource person shared her difficult experience on public speaking while she was a
young leader at the beginning of her political career.
She further explained that she was quite nervous in a public speaking program. Hence,
capacity building is essential for an effective public speaking purpose.
Preparation for Public Speaking
Knowledge about the topics
Capacity of audience
Concern about dress-up
Time duration
Spot of the program
Sequence of the speech
Timing of the speech
Short and sweet
No repetition
Simple words
Fact based
Local words and language
Understand mass-psychology
Eye contact
Use note
Consideration for Public Speaking
Courtesy
Re-evaluation
Effective address
Natural and confidence
Politeness and mild
Tactics
Objective focused
Serial and orderly
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27. Raj K Pandey (MBS, MA), GPO Box: 19862, Kathmandu, Nepal, Mobile: 977-01-98510 86884
Conscious
Audience focused
Body language
Simplicity
Effective
Moreover, proper wordings, tonality of voice, are also essential and after completing the
speech, leader should show patience, adoptive and consciousness to the listeners. Groups
were divided and each group was asked to select a team leader for making speech in the
different burning issues. The speech was judged by the panel of judges flowed by
comments and feedback. Finally, best speechmaker was awarded prize. Moreover, two
ladies sang beautiful songs and some danced on it that energized the participants.
Closing Ceremonies
The 4-days training successfully completed and all participants were quite satisfied with
the learning from this training. All resource persons seemed relived and organizer was
quite happy to complete the training successfully.Mr. Ram, NDI Official, stressed that
this training can be systematically implemented for the party building process, inclusion
and civic education. He further expected that for the next programs, NDI will receive
proposals from NC side. He also hoped that whatever the participants have acquired, will
definitely implement for party reform activities.
Two participants including a woman expressed their gratitude towards NDI and trainers
and assured that they will implement the training at district level so that they hoped that
the NDI/Nepal would also initiate for this purpose.They realized this training as a golden
opportunity and enjoyed to work with seniors. However, they suggested that the training
was very short for such a useful contents. They, therefore, requested in expanding the
training period. They also expressed that their ideas and opinions will be put forward at
the central committee meeting through their chief trainer. It was also requested to
increase the number of women participants, at least 50%, on such training. S/he finally
requested all to keep in touch even in the future.
Ms. Kury Cobham, NDI/Nepal Resident Director thanked all for grand success of the
training program. She also appreciated NC for attempting to reach to all the casts, creeds,
religions and sex. She also thanked all the participants, facilitators and team members for
their hard work during this training period. She assured that she will certainly forward the
database of the participants to the NC party office and either NC or NDI/Nepal will
directly contact them as per need. She also added that the NDI Office doors are always
opened for them. They are always welcome to the office and can use reference library
and other resources if they are in need. She expressed that all the participants are a part of
NDI family now onwards. Mr. Man Bahadur and Ms. Kurry both jointly distributed the
certificates for successfully completing the training and the chief trainer thanked all for
making training successful. He further explained that he will try his level best to use the
support of NDI/Nepal for the inclusive democracy within the NC. He also requested NDI/
Nepal to develop a training manual for district level training.
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