Rastriya Swatantra Party (National Independent Party), a newly formed party has shown strong progress as they register wins in key constituencies they were contesting in, while maintaining lead in others, and is on track to become a national party if they perform equally well in the Proportional Representation vote count.
In order to earn the status of a “national party”, a party must secure at least one seat under the first-past-the-post system, (which they have done), and three percent vote share under the proportional representation system, as per the Bill on Political Parties.
The party which supports constitutional socialism and participatory democracy was founded in July 2022 by Rabi Lamichhane, a former television personality turned politician.
Banking on a campaign for a “corruption-free” Nepal, and supported by an urban population disgruntled with traditional parties and politicians, Rastriya Swatantra Party’s leaders have been able to win strong political rivals in their respective constituencies.
Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, a former Provincial Assembly Lawmaker from Bibeksheel Sajha Party contested from Kathmandu 08 for the Federal Parliament this year, and won against mainstream contender Jeewan Ram Shrestha and independent contender Suman Sayami.
Toshima Karki, who maintains lead in Lalitpur 03 has been outpacing a Maoist heavyweight Pampha Bhusal.
Similarly, Sobita Gautam clinched victory from Kathmandu 02, and Ganesh Parajuli in Kathmandu 07.
Meanwhile, in Chitwan 01 and 02, Hari Dhakal and Rabi Lamichhane have been maintaining lead – yet again outpacing strong mainstream political parties and their leaders.
