KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has unveiled a detailed and scientific framework for selecting candidates for the upcoming local elections, introducing a structured and technology-driven approach.
The party said it aims to institutionalize a system of choosing “the right person, in the right place, in the right way” through a 13-point methodology designed to ensure transparency, meritocracy, and internal democracy.
Under the new framework, RSP has assigned weighted criteria to make the selection process measurable and objective.
A Leadership Academy (25%) will serve as a mandatory gateway, where aspirants must undergo training and evaluation of leadership capacity and ideological clarity. Only those who pass will proceed to the next stage.
The Political Proximity (25%) component will assess candidates based on past political background, organizational involvement, public outreach, and electability.
To ensure diversity, Inclusivity (10%) has been incorporated, aligning with constitutional values by prioritizing representation of women, Dalits, marginalized communities, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The highest weight, Primary Election (40%), will be given to internal voting, aimed at strengthening intra-party democracy and ensuring members have a decisive role in candidate selection.
RSP has also introduced a ‘Candidate Club’ system, requiring all aspirants to formally apply before entering the selection pipeline. Separate clubs will be formed at municipal and ward levels.
In a move to attract fresh and competent individuals, the party has provisioned a ‘lateral entry’ pathway, allowing distinguished professionals and experts to apply even without completing the usual cooling-off period.
To enhance transparency and security, RSP plans to adopt online voting through its official app, supported by blockchain or similar technologies to prevent data manipulation. A ‘blind voting’ system will also be implemented, ensuring that interim results remain hidden until the process concludes, minimizing psychological bias.
The party has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy against financial transactions, factionalism, and irregularities in the selection process. It warned that any violation of the code of conduct will result in immediate expulsion and cancellation of candidacy.
With this framework, RSP positions itself as attempting to redefine internal political practices by combining technology, inclusivity, and structured evaluation in Nepal’s electoral process.
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