RSP delegates vote today to elect 99 central committee members

Delegates of Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) are casting votes on Wednesday to select the 99 members who will form the party's central committee. This marks the initial phase of a broader leadership election process.

The voting, which is expected to span eight hours, will utilize electronic voting machines at the convention venue. Overseas delegates will participate remotely through the RSP's mobile application. The results are anticipated within two hours of the polls closing.

This election follows the conclusion of the party's closed-door convention session. The session, initially delayed by a day due to disputes over delegate selection, saw delegates endorse crucial party documents. These included a political report from party chair Rabi Lamichhane, an economic and political proposal by Vice-chair Swarnim Wagle, and an organizational report from General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti. Amendments to the party statute, a financial report, and a disciplinary committee report were also approved.

Candidates for the central committee were required to pay a nomination fee of Rs21,000 and secure a proposer and 21 seconders. The party's statute outlines a two-phase leadership election. The first phase focuses on electing the chair and the 99-member central committee. Subsequently, the newly formed central committee will elect the party's office bearers. The statute has been amended to expand the number of office bearers from 12 to 19, introducing roles such as senior leader, multiple vice-chairs, general secretaries, and spokespersons.

Rabi Lamichhane, the party's founder, secured the top post unopposed. Balendra Shah is anticipated to become the senior leader, and Swarnim Wagle is expected to be the sole candidate for one of the vice-chair positions. The outcomes of the central committee election will determine eligibility for the remaining leadership roles.

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The results will be available within two hours after voting concludes.