Nepal, Oct. 12 -- Gagan Kumar Thapa has been elected president of "Nepali Congress 2.0," but the party's latest leadership transition reflects a recurring pattern: leaders rise with support and leave amid bitter disputes.

Thapa secured 6,584 votes in Friday's election at the convention that opened in Kathmandu on October 4. His attempt to secure unanimous election failed when Shyam Krishna Khadgi refused to withdraw, despite other rivals stepping aside. Khadgi received 375 votes.

Bishwa Prakash Sharma was elected senior vice-president unopposed, as was Pushpa Bhusal to the women's vice-presidential position. Counting for other offices continued, while the rival Congress faction accelerated preparations for a separate convention in Nove...