A nerdy blog post on election process and organizational structure in Nepal Red Cross Society

Every 4 year there is an election at district level in Nepal, and lucky for us – this year was such a year. By lucky I mean that the opportunity to watch and be a part of such a process is both interesting and important to get a fully understanding of how our new national society works. Last weekend the district board was changed, and this is what happens:

To form a district chapter (in Nepal there are 75 districts, and each one of them has a district chapter) you have to have at least 10 sub chapters, consisting of at least 50 members. In Lalitpur District we have 15 active sub chapters and out of them, each sub chapter can send 5 representatives to vote at the district assembly, but for being sent out as a delegate from your sub chapter, you have to have been a Red Cross member for at least 5 years. These 5 people will choose the new District Executive Committee consisting of President + 12 members. This is not necessarily done by voting; this year 19 members from Sub Photo: Two delegates voting

Chapter level wanted to be members of District Chapter, but after negotiations and lobbying, one and one withdrew and they were left with a list of 12 persons that the Annual Meeting clapped on to show agreement and the new District Executive Committee was recognized. The same thing happened with the President election; two candidates, one withdrew and the new one was recognized.

Then the President chooses 5 extra persons from Sub Chapters that has not been elected into the Committee – based on loyalty and trust, says Devi at my office. I have a hard time grasping the process, as it is so difficult from Norwegian Red Cross. Devi draws an organizational map and is very patient in his explanations on my sometimes very stupid questions. Then, he says, the President chooses who will be in positions as vice-president, treasurer, secretary etc. He also appoints leaders of all the sub committees in the district, based on their expertise (we have in our district these committees: woman development, community development, disaster management, Junior/Youth, health and ambulance and organizational development). In addition, the President appoints one person to sit in Ex.Com from the

Photo: The District Executive Committee discussing

Government – to ensure a good cooperation and development of our Red Cross Chapter in Nepal.

So, how can this affect our work, Emil and I ask each other. Well, on Friday last week we went to Banepa with 8 of our Youth leaders to learn from their experiences of having a Youth committee consisting of Youth for Youth. The newly elected President seams glad to support our work in developing such a structural change also in Lalitpur, and we will have closer talks on the subject on how this committee might be included in the District Chapter work on a day-to-day basis. The Youth themselves find this very important and is ready to fight for their rights to be heard when it comes to developing Red Cross as an organization in Nepal. We’re crossing our fingers for this to happen before we leave – only two months left now and there is still so much to do!

Next year will be election at national level; the campaigns for presidency will start soon and last for 14 months. This is something for the next years youth delegates to look forward to!

Photo: Youth Exchange project: We had our own poster printed :)