RSP’s extended meeting concludes: Emphasis on holding the election on the announced date

Chitwan — The two-day extended meeting of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) concluded late Saturday night in Sauraha.

The meeting decided to draw the government’s and political parties’ attention to ensuring that the House of Representatives election, scheduled for March 5 (Falgun 21), is conducted in a free, fair, and fearless manner.

It also called on all political parties to actively participate in the electoral process and strengthen democratic practice. The RSP urged its members, organizational structures, and well-wishers to mobilize public opinion in favor of outcomes that would serve the nation’s and people’s best interests as well as the party’s principles.

According to a statement issued by RSP spokesperson Manish Jha, the party has urged its structures and cadres to focus on developing and implementing effective plans to win public trust through votes, in support of the party’s vision, agenda, and candidates.

The RSP also demanded an impartial investigation into incidents that occurred during the GenZ protests, calling for action against those responsible. The statement further urged state institutions to ensure the participation of the GenZ generation in line with the spirit and mandate of their movement.

The party resolved to strengthen and institutionalize internal democracy and inclusivity, to address calls for party transformation through proper procedural mechanisms, and to expand participation of all committees and members in the party’s decision-making process.

Recognizing that polarization is necessary for the formation of a strong alternative political force in the country, the meeting made a special appeal to the central committee to pursue dialogue, consensus, and cooperation with like-minded, reform-oriented groups.

Given that the House of Representatives election will take place on Falgun 21 (March 5), the party acknowledged it will not be possible to hold its general convention as previously scheduled (Falgun 7–9). It therefore instructed the central committee to bring forward a timetable to hold the convention within the next six months.

The meeting discussed Nepal’s current political situation, the unexpected political developments, the announced parliamentary election, issues of public livelihood, and the party’s internal affairs and immediate responsibilities.

A total of 512 representatives from across the country, including central committee members, attended the extended meeting. Acting Chair DP Aryal presented the political report; Vice Chair Dr. Swarnim Wagle outlined the election manifesto concept; General Secretary Kavindra Burlakoti presented the organizational report; Deputy General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya discussed the candidate selection framework; and Secretariat member Deepak Bohara reported on the signature campaign.

These reports were discussed in group sessions. The statement noted that central member Dr. Toshima Karki, Organization Secretary Shankar Shrestha, and the district committees of Chitwan, Jhapa, and Rupandehi also submitted written suggestions during the meeting.