Two-thirds of RSP delegates abstain from office-bearer election, turnout drops to around 30 percent

CHITWAN: Participation of delegates at the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) first general convention in Chitwan has remained low, with only around 30 percent casting votes in the election of office bearers held on Friday.

Out of 4,311 registered delegates, 2,959 participated in the central member election held on Thursday, reflecting a turnout of 68.63 percent, while 31.37 percent did not vote. However, participation declined further in the office-bearer election, with only 1,289 delegates casting ballots.

The sharp drop in turnout has been attributed to the prolonged election process, with some delegates reportedly returning home before voting. A few delegates also staged a sit-in after being unable to cast their votes.

Party president Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah did not participate in the voting. Shah left the convention mid-way for Kathmandu, while Lamichhane, having been elected unopposed as president, did not take part in the office-bearer election.

The low participation has raised questions about internal engagement at the convention, with nearly two-thirds of delegates effectively abstaining from the final round of voting.