RSP convention update: Vote counting to begin after overseas ballots

KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has completed the preparation of the official voting record at its ongoing general convention.

According to the party’s Central Election Commission, vote counting will begin only after the completion of voting from abroad, which is expected to conclude by 3 PM.

Election Commission member Gokul Sapkota said the documentation process has been completed and the team is currently on a lunch break. Counting will resume after the collection of all remaining overseas votes.

The electronic voting system operator, Ramprasad Rimal of Ram Lakshman Voting Machine, stated that the final results could be available within two hours once counting begins.

The voter turnout stood at around 68 percent. Out of 4,211 representatives, only 2,959 cast their votes for the election of 99 central committee members.

Following this, elections for party office bearers will be held, with participation expected to be lower than in the first phase.

RSP leader Hari Dhakal has urged representatives not to leave the convention site in Chitwan, reminding them that the leadership election process is still ongoing.

The Election Commission clarified that the party constitution does not specify a minimum voter turnout requirement for the election to be valid. It noted that even a very small number of voters is sufficient to conduct a legitimate election.

After the election of 99 central members from among 384 candidates, those elected members will contest for key party positions.

The Commission said it aims to complete the entire process, including the announcement of final results, by midnight and vacate the convention venue at the Chitwan Industrial Exhibition Ground by tomorrow.