Kathmandu, April 9 -- The triennial jamboree of the Federation of Nepali Journalists concluded on Wednesday, with mediapersons from across the country under the umbrella organisation of Nepali journalists voting to elect a new leadership. Though it was not an anomaly, this time around, it became hugely apparent that the Federation has come hugely under the shadow of politics. A majority of candidates had their clear alignments with political parties-just a handful of journalists filed their nominations as "independent" candidates.

Observers, including those who have led the Federation in the past, say excessive politicisation and domination of political parties in the journalists' election is a cause for concern.

"A worrisome trend is e...