CHITWAN: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has amended its party statute, introducing a series of measures aimed at strengthening inclusion and increasing the representation of women and marginalized communities in its leadership structure.
According to Ganesh Parajuli, a member of the party’s statute amendment committee, the revised statute provides for the election of three vice-presidents, including at least one woman, along with two general secretaries and five joint general secretaries. At least one of the joint general secretaries must also be a woman.
The amendments are intended to ensure greater participation of women in key leadership positions within the party.
Under the new provisions, the party will also have one treasurer, two joint treasurers, one spokesperson, and three joint spokespersons.
The central committee will consist of 151 members, including 99 directly elected members and a president elected through the party’s internal electoral process. An additional 51 members will be nominated by the party president through an inclusive selection process, while the vice-presidents of all seven provinces will serve as ex-officio members.
Previously, the statute only authorized the party president to appoint a treasurer and a spokesperson. The revised statute expands that authority, allowing the president to nominate one vice-president, one general secretary, and two joint general secretaries as well.
“The amendments have incorporated the spirit of inclusion,” Parajuli said, adding that women’s participation has been ensured across all levels of the party structure.
Among the 99 directly elected central committee members, five representatives will be elected from each province, with at least two women required from every province.
The statute also mandates inclusive representation based on provincial demographic composition. This includes one Indigenous representative each from Gandaki and Koshi provinces, one Dalit representative each from Sudurpaschim and Koshi provinces, one Tharu representative from Lumbini Province, and one Madheshi Dalit representative from Madhesh Province.
In addition, the amended statute guarantees the automatic inclusion of senior leaders within the party’s organizational framework.
The changes were endorsed during the closed session of the party’s three-day national convention, which began in Chitwan on Sunday and concluded on Monday.
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