RSP introduces 10 new rules for selecting local election candidates

Kathmandu, October 14

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has introduced a series of new measures aimed at changing the traditional candidate selection process of political parties ahead of the 2027 local-level elections.

The party on Wednesday unveiled its Local Election Candidate Selection Framework 2027, prioritising merit, internal democracy and public preferences over the practice of selecting candidates at the discretion of senior leaders.

The framework introduces several provisions, including primary elections, a mandatory examination for aspiring candidates, the right to vote for “None of the Above” (NOTA), and strict ethical declarations.

Here are 10 key provisions in the RSP’s candidate selection framework.

1. NOTA option in primary elections

If NOTA, meaning “None of the Above”, receives the highest number of votes in a primary election, the nominations of all candidates for the position will be cancelled and the selection process will begin again.

2. Mandatory examination for candidates

Aspiring candidates must complete training at the party’s Leadership Academy and pass an examination covering areas such as local governance, law and technology. Those who fail to meet the requirements will be disqualified from contesting.

3. Restrictions on repeat opportunities

Individuals who received party tickets in the 2082 federal elections, current lawmakers and those included on the party’s closed proportional representation list will not be eligible to contest local elections.

4. Strict legal and ethical declarations

Candidates must submit written declarations stating that they have not been involved in practices such as loan-sharking, cooperative fraud, domestic violence or cyberbullying. They must also disclose their marital status and declare that they have no conflicts of interest involving contracts.

5. New approach to inclusion

Individuals who have previously served as lawmakers, ministers or in other positions of public benefit, as well as their family members, will not receive additional points under the inclusion criteria. People under 40 and returning entrepreneurs will receive special priority.

6. Blind voting system

To prevent voters from being influenced by other assessment scores, the party will digitally lock those scores on a server until primary voting is completed. The scores will remain concealed during the voting process.

7. Lateral entry for prominent newcomers

The framework allows a special selection process, known as lateral entry, for prominent and popular individuals joining from outside the party. Such candidates may be exempted from the usual cooling-off periods of 45 days for first-time political entrants and 90 days for those joining after leaving another party.

8. Special discretion for party leadership

The central secretariat may directly select up to 15 per cent of the total candidates in special circumstances, subject to approval by the central committee.

9. Party membership at risk for malpractice

Candidates who engage in factional activities, smear campaigns against competitors, hacking of digital systems or financial transactions to influence the selection process may face cancellation of their candidacy and party membership.

10. Minimum 25 per cent participation in primaries

A primary election will be considered valid only if at least 25 per cent of eligible party members participate in the voting.

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