RSP Ends First General Convention Amid Low Turnout and Factionalism
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has concluded its first general convention, marking a historic milestone while exposing significant internal challenges. The event ended with low voter turnout, allegations of factionalism, and concerns over the party’s democratic processes. Newly elected office bearers and central committee members took the oath of office, with Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, who was re-elected unopposed, pledging to lead the party with greater maturity and accountability.
Addressing party delegates, Lamichhane acknowledged that mistakes made over the past four years had begun to affect the party’s functioning. He stressed that these shortcomings must be corrected as the RSP moves forward as a responsible political force. However, the convention reflected growing internal dissatisfaction, with only 1,289 delegates voting in the final leadership elections despite more than 4,300 delegates reportedly attending the convention.
The leadership contests also highlighted clear factional divisions between supporters of Chairman Lamichhane and those aligned with Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Key positions, including vice-chairperson and general secretary, were won largely by Lamichhane’s loyalists. Critics within the party argued that backroom negotiations and factional politics undermined the democratic spirit of the convention.
Despite the controversies, the RSP is now preparing to complete its 185-member Central Committee through a series of chairman-appointed nominations. The party leadership has expressed hope that the new team will strengthen unity and address the organisational shortcomings revealed during the convention.
