Rastriya Swatantra Party’s First General Convention Begins in Chitwan with Focus on Policy and Leadership Reform

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), which has gained popular mandate to lead with a comfortable majority within four years of its establishment, begins its first general convention today in Chitwan. Having risen from fourth to first place in its second general election participation, the party aims to focus on “policy and leadership reform,” according to Raswapa’s General Secretary Kavindra Burlakoti.

Burlakoti explained, “The party will present organizational and ideological reports under the policy segment. The disciplinary commission’s report and the party chairman’s political report will be discussed to advance policy improvements.” He added, “This time, we have also proposed amendments to the party constitution. Proposals concerning these amendments will come from the party’s task force to the secretariat, then the central committee, and finally to the general convention.”

The three-day convention will also form an elected central committee that will replace the current ad hoc central committee, Burlakoti said. “Following this convention, the party will mature to a new level,” he emphasized. Speaking at the party meeting held on Saturday in Chitwan, Raswapa Chairperson Ravi Lamichhane warned that internal conflicts could cost the nation dearly and urged all members to proceed with mutual understanding.

Approximately 3,700 delegates are expected to participate in the convention. Senior party leaders, including Prime Minister Walendra Shah and Chairperson Ravi Lamichhane, are set to jointly inaugurate the event, party officials indicated.

The convention proposal includes electing 151 members to the central committee, with the seven provincial chairpersons serving as ex officio members. Since discussions continue on whether the party chairperson should have nominating authority, the final decision will be based on the proposal submitted by the central committee to the convention, Burlakoti noted.

The election will occur in two phases, Raswapa Central Election Commission Chief Bhuvan KC explained. “In the first phase, the chairperson and central members will be selected,” he said. “In the second phase, elected central members will choose the office bearers. All delegates will vote in both phases.”

For voting, 80 electronic voting machines will be utilized, and Raswapa representatives abroad will be able to vote through a mobile app, KC added. “Both voting methods will start and end simultaneously. Results are expected to be announced within two to four hours.” The election process will begin on the second day of the convention and culminate on the third day, July 9, KC noted.

Raswapa Member of Parliament Yagyamani Nyaupane expressed confidence that the convention will guide the party, now the largest in the country, toward a clear direction. “This convention will promote pluralism and work to institutionalize the republic. It will also endorse federalism,” he said at the convention venue.

Many view Raswapa’s rise as a reflection of good governance aspirations and anti-corruption sentiment. Tribhuvan University Associate Professor Dipesh Ghimire stressed the need for the convention to chart a roadmap for good governance within the party. “Various studies show that political parties are significant risk areas and causes of corruption in Nepal. Such tendencies appear to be structurally embedded in parties,” Ghimire stated. “Raswapa has brought this issue to the forefront. It is essential not only to hold the government accountable but also for the party to establish itself as a beacon of good governance from within.”