Kathmandu, Jan. 14 -- After the organisers of the second special general convention of Nepali Congress on Wednesday set the stage for the election of new office bearers including a new party president, a last-ditch effort is underway to prevent a party split.

With the majority of elected representatives calling for the party's transformation, including a leadership change, two general secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma had taken the lead in organising the special general convention, which kicked off in Kathmandu on Sunday. They have initiated the process for leadership change and proposed sweeping policy reforms.

Although the special convention mandates leadership and policy changes, the party establishment faction of She...