Shalikram Ghimire Elected Chairperson of Rastriya Swatantra Party Lumbini; Second Round of Voting Not Held

Shalikram Ghimire (left), the winner, along with Gopal, who supported him. Shalikram Ghimire was elected chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party at its first provincial convention in Lumbini. Although he did not secure 51% of the vote in the first round, Gopal Ghimire, his closest competitor, backed him, leading to his selection without a second round. Party leaders stated that since most delegates have departed, preparations are underway to select other officials by consensus. 31 Jestha, Butwal.

Shalikram Ghimire was elected chairperson from among six candidates at the first Lumbini province convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Ghimire received the highest number of votes, 199, but did not achieve the required 51 percent majority, which had called for a second round against his nearest rival, Gopal Ghimire. However, Gopal endorsed Shalikram, resulting in Shalikram’s appointment as chairperson without conducting a further vote, according to Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Dr. Buddhis Prasad Sharma.

In the election among six candidates for the chairperson post, Rupandehi’s Shalikram Ghimire received 199 votes, Arghakhanchi’s Gopal Ghimire got 87 votes, Rupandehi’s Ganesh Paudel achieved 84 votes, Banke’s Dr. Rajkumar Suvedi secured 80 votes, Rupandehi’s Manju Bhusal received 71 votes, and Rupandehi’s Madhuprasad Aryal obtained the fewest votes with 19. Out of 843 eligible voters, only 552 cast their ballots. Leader Sharma mentioned efforts are ongoing to reach consensus on the posts of vice-chairperson, general secretary, two deputy general secretaries, and treasurer.

Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Sahayogi BC noted that most delegates have returned home, and only a negligible number remain at the polling station, creating uncertainty about holding further voting. BC added that, similar to the chairperson selection, efforts are underway to choose other officials by consensus. The provincial spokesperson will be appointed. Some delegates expressed dissatisfaction about the lack of discussions on party policy, principles, and ideology during the closing session of the convention.