Nepal's RSP Proposes Non-Partisan Governance, Faces Hurdles

Nepal's ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has ignited a fresh debate by proposing a non-partisan system for local councils and the National Assembly. Endorsed at the party's national convention, the proposal signals the RSP's ambition for constitutional reform, arguing the current political system hinders effective governance and accountability.

However, constitutional experts and political observers point to formidable legal and political obstacles. The RSP's agenda includes converting the upper house into a non-partisan expert body, chaired by the Vice President, and establishing non-partisan local governments. While the party previously advocated for non-partisan local elections, the idea of a non-partisan federal Assembly is a new formal addition to its platform.

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Our day will come when we have the numbers and capacity to amend the present constitution.

Party leaders, including chief Rabi Lamichhane and Vice-president Swarnim Wagle, believe their proposals will gain traction once the party achieves sufficient political strength to amend the constitution. Wagle's document notes the party's ongoing debates on issues like preventing lawmakers from holding ministerial positions simultaneously. The RSP envisions revising the constitution when it has the necessary numbers and capacity.

This push for reform comes as the RSP, despite leading the government with a strong majority in the House of Representatives, has no representation in the National Assembly. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in both houses. The current electoral system for the 59-member Assembly, dominated by political parties in provincial assemblies and local governments, makes it exceedingly difficult for independent candidates to succeed, as they require proposers and seconders from within the electoral college, which is largely party-aligned.

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Almost all voters in the electoral college belong to political parties. Without party backing, an independent candidate has virtually no chance of entering the National Assembly.