KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing to elect Balen Shah as the leader of its parliamentary party ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected members of the House of Representatives scheduled for March 26.
Shah, who joined the party ahead of the March 5 election, is set to be formally endorsed as the parliamentary party leader. The party had already declared him its prime ministerial candidate during the election campaign.
Party leaders said the RSP will move ahead with government formation only after electing Shah as the parliamentary party leader. Preparations are also underway to finalize the ministerial lineup before the government is formed.
Following the oath-taking of lawmakers on March 26, Shah is expected to take the oath of office as prime minister on either March 27 or 28.
Earlier on Thursday evening, RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane held discussions with senior leader Shah, Vice Chairs DP Aryal and Swarnim Wagle regarding the process of government formation.
According to a senior party source, the leaders agreed to elect Shah as the parliamentary party leader by Saturday and move toward administering the prime ministerial oath on March 27 or 28.
“The Election Commission Nepal has already distributed certificates to proportional representation lawmakers today. The party’s central committee and secretariat meetings will be held by Saturday to elect the senior leader as parliamentary party leader,” the source said.
The source added that the party will proceed with selecting ministers and the Speaker before the swearing-in of lawmakers on March 26, after which the new government will be formed.
Meanwhile, RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti said discussions are underway to administer the prime minister’s oath on March 27.
“Preparations are being made to hold the prime minister’s oath-taking on March 27. If technical reasons prevent it, a new government will be formed by March 28,” he said.
The Federal Parliament Secretariat has already issued a notice scheduling the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected lawmakers on March 26. Senior-most lawmaker Arjun Narsingh KC confirmed that he has been informed about administering the oath to the members of parliament.
According to party sources, efforts are being made to ensure Shah’s appointment as prime minister on March 27 if all procedures move forward smoothly.
“If possible, the prime minister will be appointed on March 27. As the process also involves coordination with the parliament secretariat and the President’s Office, the new government will be in place by March 28,” the source said.
Speaking to Khabarhub, RSP Vice Chair Aryal said the party will not delay the government formation now that the Election Commission has issued certificates to proportional representation lawmakers. He had earlier indicated that the government would be formed by end of March.
Focus on appointing non-controversial ministers
During discussions among the four leaders, preliminary talks were also held regarding the formation of the cabinet.
Party leaders said they plan to form a streamlined council of ministers and appoint capable and non-controversial individuals who can deliver results.
According to sources, leaders have also agreed that the government will be led by Shah while the party organization will be run by Chair Lamichhane without unnecessary pressure on governance.
Vice Chair Wagle is said to be almost certain to take charge as finance minister, while discussions are still ongoing regarding the home minister.
Preliminary discussion on ministerial candidates
Leaders have also started discussions on potential candidates for different ministries.
According to sources, Shah suggested that the party should establish clear criteria for selecting ministers and said he would support the process.
Discussions have also taken place on reducing the number of ministries.
“Initial discussions have begun on possible candidates who could take up ministerial responsibilities. Names are being studied and are close to being finalized,” a senior party source said.
Plan for single-phase cabinet formation
Party leaders have also discussed forming the cabinet in a single phase alongside Shah’s swearing-in as prime minister.
Sources said there is growing consensus to expand the cabinet at once and to nominate a qualified candidate for the Speaker.
The party is also considering requesting the main opposition party to nominate a candidate for the deputy speaker position.
“There is near consensus to expand the cabinet in one phase. The Speaker will be from our party, while we will appeal to the main opposition party to send a candidate for deputy speaker,” the source said.
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