Rastriya Swatantra Party Issues 7-Point Directive for Elections

Kathmandu. The Central Election Commission of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has issued a 7-point directive to make the process of selecting candidates for various levels of party conventions, internal elections, and upcoming public elections disciplined and orderly. The directive, issued by the Commission's Chief Bhuwan KC, instructs all party members, office bearers, leadership aspirants, and candidates associated with the 'candidate club' to fully adhere to the election-related code of conduct and procedures. The directive strictly prohibits conducting unauthorized or parallel activities in any level contrary to the party's statute, procedures, and official directives. It also states that improper influences such as personal connections, financial power, nepotism, group pressure, or threats should not be used to influence elections, and all eligible members must be ensured equal opportunities. Clarifying the subject of local level candidate selection, the commission has clarified that joining or applying to the 'candidate club' does not guarantee candidacy. The party will make the final decision only after completing processes such as leadership development programs, qualification tests, evaluations, and primaries. Announcing candidacies or campaigning through social media or other means on one's own initiative prior to this has been deemed a violation of procedures. Similarly, it is directed that candidacies and campaigning for leadership should not be announced until the official date and schedule of the convention are published. Financial transactions, gifts, feasts, misleading propaganda, character assassination, and misuse of power and position are completely prohibited within the scope of the code of conduct. The directive warns that anyone violating the party's directives and code of conduct will face actions ranging from cancellation of candidacy, expulsion from the process, removal from responsibilities, to suspension and even termination of party membership, depending on the severity. The commission has determined that no one will be allowed to be above the law based on position, access, or influence.