Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah have reached a seven-point agreement for the March elections. According to the agreement, the party will continue to be named Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and its election symbol will remain the bell. Ravi Lamichhane will serve as the party chairperson, while Balen Shah will become the leader of the parliamentary party and the future prime ministerial candidate after the House of Representatives election.
7 Points of the Agreement:
- To take ownership of the movement led by young people against corruption and misgovernance, and to commit to appropriately addressing the demands of the injured and the families of the deceased.
- To remain dedicated to the honest implementation of a roadmap aimed at making Nepal a respectable middle-income country within the next ten years through deep policy, institutional, and structural reforms necessary for national prosperity and social justice, while laying the foundation for economic and social progress and a culture of civilised political practice.
- Following a broader unity between the first and second parties, the newly established political party shall be named Rastriya Swatantra Party. The party flag will feature a white circular shape at the centre of the existing blue background, with a blue bell symbol inside it. The party’s election symbol will be the bell, and the central office will remain within the Kathmandu Valley.
- Ravi Lamichhane will serve as the central chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and after the upcoming House of Representatives election, Balen Shah will become the parliamentary party leader and the future prime ministerial candidate.
- After the broader unity, the party’s organisational structure will be further strengthened and expanded by appropriately integrating youth activists and experienced experts, assigning responsibilities based on merit, inclusiveness, and public image.
- Immediately after the upcoming general election, documents related to the Rastriya Swatantra Party will be updated at the Election Commission in accordance with this agreement.
- To unite under the principles, leadership, and election symbol (bell) of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and to advance the agendas of democratic good governance, prosperity, and social justice, the party will invite other civilised and reform-oriented alternative political forces, groups, and individuals to join.
Earlier, efforts had also been made to include the Ujyalo Nepal Party in the unity process. However, the party’s patron, Kulman Ghising, raised concerns regarding the party’s existence and expressed disagreement.
However, to contest the election, he must resign from his post as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. Election Commission sources stated that he must submit his resignation by January 20, 2026, or earlier.
Following his resignation, Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol will assume the role of acting head of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
