The much-awaited 12th General Convention of Nepali Congress formally began from Friday afternoon to elect a new party leadership. NC acting-president Sushil Koirala inaugurated the 12th General Covention at the Khulla Manch of the capital this afternoon amidst a huge gathering of top party leaders, activists and foreign dignitaries. Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, UML chairman Jhala Nath Khanal, UCPN (Maoist) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Madhesi leaders and senior leaders of other small parties are scheduled to address the assembly shortly.