FNJ Elects First Female President in Historic 27th General Convention

Dignity Post 

For the first time in its history, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has elected a woman as its president. The groundbreaking achievement came during the FNJ’s 27th general convention, with elections held on December 11 to select leadership for the central committee, 10 provincial committees, 76 district branches, and 41 institutional branches.

President Sharma secured the historic win with 4,282 votes, defeating rival candidate Ramesh Bista, who garnered 3,203 votes. Bista had contested under a panel representing working journalists, including Press Center Nepal and a dissident faction of the Press Union. Sharma, on the other hand, represented the joint professional panel of the Nepal Press Union and Press Chautari Nepal.

In addition to the presidency, the convention saw several other key leadership roles filled. Deepak Acharya was elected Senior Vice President with 4,230 votes, surpassing his closest contender, Roshan Puri, who received 2,886 votes.

Vice President Nitu Pandit won the Women’s Vice President position with a decisive 4,705 votes. Other elected leaders include:

• Inclusive Vice President: Umed Bagchan

• General Secretary: Ram Prasad Dahal

• Secretary: Ramesh Khatiwada

• Women Secretary: Soni Sharma

• Tribal Secretary: Sabin Priyasan

• Madhes Secretary: Ashok Tiwari

• Dalit Secretary: Prakash Dhaulakoti

• Associate Secretary: Baikuntha Raj Parajuli

• Treasurer: Ram Krishna Adhikari

The FNJ’s 47-member Central Committee includes three unopposed candidates—Savitri Rasaili, Rita Budhathoki, and members representing Dalit women, indigenous peoples, and marginalized communities.

The election marks a significant milestone in the FNJ's history, signaling progress in gender representation and inclusion within Nepal’s journalism sector.