RSP makes leadership academy exam mandatory for local election candidates

Kathmandu, October 14

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has introduced a mandatory examination for anyone seeking to become the party’s candidate in the upcoming local-level elections, making completion of training and passing the Leadership Academy test a prerequisite for nomination.

According to the party’s Local Election Candidate Selection Framework 2026, the Leadership Academy examination will account for 25 per cent of the total assessment score. Aspirants who fail to meet the minimum passing criteria will be automatically disqualified from the selection process.

The framework assigns 40 per cent weight to the party’s primary election, while the Leadership Academy examination accounts for 25 per cent. The remaining marks will be allocated to other assessment criteria, including political proximity and inclusion.

The academy will provide training on 10 common subjects covering local governance, law, technology and development. These include the party’s political philosophy, the Constitution and federalism, the Local Government Operation Act, public finance, digital literacy and e-governance, local economic development, education and health, disaster risk reduction, open government and election campaign management.

The common training will be followed by role-specific workshops. Ward chair and ward member aspirants will receive orientation on civil registration, planning and mediation, while candidates seeking mayoral, deputy mayoral and other senior local executive positions will receive practical training on judicial committees, revenue consultation, budget formulation and executive leadership.

Scores earned in the academy examination will not be used merely to determine whether candidates pass or fail. They will also be carried forward and included in the final aggregate score used to select candidates.

The party says the system is intended to ensure that aspiring public representatives demonstrate a minimum level of knowledge, competence and qualification, rather than securing nominations through personal connections or lobbying party leaders.

Primary elections to carry 40 per cent weight

The RSP has also introduced a primary election system in which party members will directly participate in selecting candidates.

Voting will be conducted through the party’s official app, with both digital and offline options available. At least 25 per cent of eligible party members must participate for the primary election to be considered valid.

The framework also includes a “None of the Above” (NOTA) option. If NOTA receives the highest number of votes for a position, the nominations of all competing aspirants for that position will be cancelled and a fresh selection process initiated.

To limit undue influence during voting, the party will keep candidates’ preliminary scores confidential. Scores awarded for Leadership Academy performance, political proximity and inclusion will be digitally locked on a server before the primary election. The final scorecard will be published only after voting concludes and all scores are combined.

The framework also prohibits candidates from engaging in financial transactions to influence the selection process, forming factions or conducting smear campaigns against rivals. Those found guilty may have their candidacies cancelled, while serious disciplinary violations could lead to termination of party membership.

Leadership retains 15 per cent discretionary authority

Despite its emphasis on rules, internal democracy and primary elections, the framework allows the party leadership to exercise discretionary authority over up to 15 per cent of candidate selections.

Under a special provision in Chapter 9, the party secretariat may use this authority, subject to approval by the central committee. The provision applies to all local-level positions, including rural municipality and municipal chiefs and deputies, ward chairs and ward members.

The provision is intended to allow the party to nominate popular or influential individuals in special circumstances. However, it also leaves room for senior leaders to influence candidate selection outside the standard process.

The party says the remaining 85 per cent of candidates will be selected through its prescribed assessment system, Leadership Academy and primary elections.

Strict declarations on conduct and financial integrity

The framework also requires aspirants to submit self-declarations regarding their personal conduct, financial integrity and potential conflicts of interest.

Candidates must declare that their marital and family status is legally valid and transparent, with no concealed or disputed circumstances. They must also declare that they have not been involved, directly or indirectly, in illegal or informal financial activities such as loan-sharking, betting, extortion, dhukuti schemes, hundi transactions or the misappropriation of cooperative savings.

The framework further requires candidates to declare that they have not engaged in domestic violence, sexual misconduct, inappropriate public behaviour or digital offences, including cyberbullying, online fraud and online character assassination.

Aspirants must also declare that they have no conflicts of interest arising from direct involvement in local government contracts or other business activities.

If a candidate is found to have submitted false information, the party may cancel their candidacy at any stage and terminate their party membership.

Cooling-off periods for new entrants

The RSP has opened a pathway for prominent individuals and newcomers from outside the party to seek nominations, subject to specified waiting periods.

People entering politics for the first time, with the RSP as their first political party, must complete a 45-day cooling-off period. Those joining after leaving another political party must complete 90 days.

However, the framework allows exceptions when the party considers a candidate necessary or particularly qualified. With written approval from the relevant higher committee, individuals who have not completed the prescribed period may also enter through the lateral-entry provision.

The party says the arrangement will make it easier to attract independent, prominent and respected figures to contest local elections under its banner.

Current federal lawmakers and some previous candidates barred

The framework also seeks to prevent repeated opportunities for the same individuals by restricting certain people from applying for local-level candidacies.

Those who contested direct seats in the 2026 federal election under the party’s ticket but lost, individuals listed on the party’s proportional representation closed list, and sitting federal lawmakers will not be eligible to apply for any local-level position under the framework.

However, party members who did not receive a ticket in the 2026 federal election and were not included on the proportional representation list may seek nominations for local executive positions, including mayor, chairperson, deputy mayor and vice-chairperson.

Through the new framework, the RSP says it aims to institutionalise candidate selection, strengthen internal democracy and establish clearer standards for people seeking elected office.

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