RSP’s Historic First Convention Draws Record Delegates, Leadership Battle Heats Up

Chitwan-  The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is holding its first-ever General Convention in Chitwan, marking a major milestone for the party less than four years after its formation. Having already gained experience in government, the party is now embarking on a crucial process of electing new leadership and strengthening its organizational structure.

The convention, which began on Sunday, was originally scheduled to conclude on Tuesday. However, the event is expected to be extended by a day after delegate participation exceeded initial estimates. Party spokesperson Manish Jha said organizers had anticipated around 3,000 delegates, but attendance is now projected to reach nearly 4,500.Leadership elections are at the center of the convention, with delegates set to elect the party chairperson and central committee members. Although incumbent Chairperson Ravi Lamichhane is widely regarded as the favorite for re-election, delegates believe the nomination process could make the contest more competitive than expected.

Under party rules, candidates for the chairperson’s post must secure one proposer, 51 supporters, and pay a nomination fee of Rs 51,000. Delegates say meeting these requirements may prove challenging for many potential contenders.Competition is also expected to be intense for central committee positions. According to party insiders, nearly one-fourth of the more than 4,000 delegates are interested in contesting for central membership. Since the party statute requires leaders to first become elected central committee members before assuming executive positions, many prominent figures are focusing their campaigns on these seats.

Candidates seeking central committee membership must obtain one proposer, 21 supporters, and pay a nomination fee of Rs 21,000. Delegates say some aspirants are already struggling to gather the necessary backing.The convention will directly elect 99 central committee members, while the remaining positions will be filled through nomination. Including provincial chairpersons who serve as ex-officio members, the party’s central committee will consist of 158 members.RSP will use an electronic voting system for the elections. According to spokesperson Jha, the party has adopted electronic voting machines developed by Nepali scientist brothers Ram and Laxman Rimal.

Meanwhile, Manish Jha has publicly declared his intention to contest for the post of General Secretary. Speaking to journalists in Chitwan, he said he would remain in the race regardless of the convention’s outcome.The landmark convention is being closely watched as a key test of RSP’s internal democracy, organizational capacity, and political maturity as the party seeks to further establish itself as a major force in Nepal’s political landscape.