2500 delegates will gather in Chitwan for first RSP convention

Kathmandu, May 26: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has initiated preparations for its first national general convention, approving the convention preparation schedule. The ruling party’s first national convention is scheduled for June 21, 22, and 23 in Chitwan.

The party’s central election commission has informed the provincial and district presidents about the national general convention preparation schedule.

According to the approved schedule, election committees are to be formed in all 77 districts and seven provinces by May 29. Similarly, the local and district convention reports will be compiled by June 3, while the district convention and election reports must be submitted by June 13.

It has also been announced that the list of general convention delegates must be submitted by June 8, while the details of the elected office bearers from the provincial conventions must be submitted by June 19.

According to Ram Gurung, deputy chief of the party’s Central Election Commission, discussions are being held on the use of electronic voting.

The election committee also informed that at least 2,500 delegates from 77 districts will participate in the convention. 

According to the party’s General Secretary, Kabindra Burlakoti, conventions of local-level committees are in the final stages.

He informed that district conventions will be held across the country on June 6 and 7.

The list of delegates to the general convention is scheduled to be submitted by June 8. Similarly, the provincial convention schedule has been set as follows: Bagmati on June 9; Koshi on June 10; Madhes on June 11; Gandaki on June 12; Lumbini on June 13; Karnali on June 14; and Sudurpaschim on June 15.

As per the schedule, the concerned provincial presidents have been instructed to coordinate with all district presidents.

General Secretary Burlakoti informed that the sub-committees formed for the preparation of the general convention have also started working.

According to him, the Representative Management Committee, Report and Proposal Drafting Committee, Financial Management Committee, Publicity Committee, Security Committee, Information Technology Committee, Decoration Committee, Housing and Food Committee, Health and First Aid Committee, Cultural Programme Committee, Hospitality Committee, and Statute Amendment Committee have all begun their tasks.

Various RSP leaders have described this general convention as historic since the party’s foundation, expressing hope that it will address people’s expectations and help achieve good governance and prosperity.

As the convention approaches, one senior RSP leader said that the convention would focus on policies and conduct, while the party’s core leadership is unlikely to change.

According to General Secretary Burlakoti, the party is running the government while maintaining the existing party structure.

“If we look at everything in balance, there is no indication of a change in the party’s core leadership,” Burlakoti said.

“The government is being led by senior party leaders and parliamentary party leaders. The party will move forward by maintaining this balance,” he added.

According to Ram Gurung, deputy chair of the election commission, delegates will vote using electronic voting machines, which the party is currently developing.

Speaking with The Rising Nepal, Gurung said that preparations are still in the initial phase and everything is progressing smoothly.

“We are in the initial phase. We are planning to use electronic voting machines during the convention. For this, we have also learned from various problems that appeared during the last House of Representatives elections,” Gurung said.

Gurung added that various committees have been actively working on their responsibilities. In particular, the central committee has been coordinating closely with provincial presidents.

However, the central committee has recently received reports of disputes from some districts. Party leaders stated that such disputes will be addressed based on authentic reports submitted through official channels.

Although some reports have appeared on social media, party leaders said they do not acknowledge unofficial claims.

“Yes, some reports have reached the party committee. However, we do not acknowledge cases appearing on social media. We only consider reports officially submitted to our committees within the designated timeframe, and the party will address such cases accordingly,” Gurung said.

Budget and additional expenditure

The exact cost of the party’s first national convention has not been made public.

However, it is estimated that this historic event, expected to attract thousands of cadres and supporters, will cost several million rupees for stage management, publicity, accommodation, and the use of technology.

To make the convention economical and technology-friendly, the party has made various preparations and financial arrangements.

The party plans to raise financial support from cadres and well-wishers to meet the convention expenses.

Gurung said that delegates will personally contribute donations to help cover convention-related costs.

Some party leaders also acknowledged that expenses for certain arrangements could exceed expectations due to the hot weather.