RSP convention prolonged as delegates begin returning home

KATHMANDU: The national convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has extended beyond its expected schedule, prompting a growing number of delegates to return home from Chitwan.

Delegates began leaving after casting their votes for the 99-member central committee, as the convention—originally scheduled to conclude by Tuesday—was extended by two additional days.

Voting for the central committee continued from Wednesday midnight and is expected to remain incomplete until at least Thursday afternoon due to its slow pace.

According to the party’s statute, elections for the chairperson and central committee must be completed before the second phase of voting for office bearers can begin.

However, many delegates are reportedly not waiting for the next round of voting and have already departed the convention site.

A representative candidate from the geographical constituency said that more than 50 percent of delegates have already left Chitwan following indications that the convention would be prolonged.

The election commission has not yet released an official count of delegates currently present at the venue. Around 4,100 representatives were initially reported to be participating in the convention.

The schedule for the second phase of voting, which will determine party office bearers, has also not yet been announced.