CC meeting to address RSP’s participation in by-elections

Kathmandu, August 20 - The Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is set to deliberate on its participation in the upcoming local level by-elections scheduled for November. During a central committee meeting on Wednesday, the party's acting general secretary, Kabindra Burlakoti, confirmed that the agenda includes strategic discussions regarding these elections.

Established after the 2022 local elections, the RSP has only contested federal elections and currently lacks representation in the other two tiers of government. As such, Burlakoti indicated to Ratopati that the party is preparing for a central committee discussion on whether to participate in the forthcoming local elections.

“The focus will be on formulating our strategy, including whether or not to contest the elections and how to handle candidate selection,” Burlakoti stated. “We intended to discuss this in the previous meeting, but time constraints prevented it. Tomorrow’s meeting will address the entire issue.”

The Election Commission has proposed that by-elections be held in the second week of December and has issued a notice on August 14, urging eligible citizens to register on the electoral roll.

The by-elections are needed at 35 local levels, including vacant mayoral position in Kirtipur Municipality, chairman positions in Gramthan Rural Municipality, Morang, and Mahabu Rural Municipality, Dailekh. Additionally, there are vacancies for deputy mayor in Jajarkot’s Nalgadh Municipality and vice-chairman in Gourishankar Rural Municipality, Dolakha, as well as in Bajura’s Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality and Sarkegad Rural Municipality in Humla.

Furthermore, there are vacant chairman positions in 28 wards across seven provinces. According to the Local Elections Act, 2073, elections must be held for any position with more than one year remaining in its term.

If successful in the November by-elections, RSP could potentially establish a stronger local presence. Party leaders are therefore focused on developing a strategic approach during their central committee meeting. However, they acknowledge that the results of the Ilam by-elections held on 15th Baisakh and ongoing internal disputes may influence the outcomes of the upcoming by-elections.