In a significant shift in Nepal's political spectrum, Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Ujyaalo Nepal Party (UNP), patronized by Kulman Ghising, have officially merged on Monday.
The unification was sealed through a seven-point agreement signed by RSP President Rabi Lamichhane and UNP Chairman Anup Kumar Upadhyaya. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) was present as a witness during the signing ceremony held at the residence of RSP leader Asim Shah in Kamalpokhari.
According to Ganesh Ghising, a close confidant of Kulman Ghising, Ujyaalo Nepal Party is set to receive a 30% share in the Central Committee of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), including the positions of Senior Vice-President and General Secretary.
Furthermore, Ghising claims that an agreement has been reached to allocate 30% of the candidates for the first-past-the-post (FPTP) seats and 20% for proportional representation (PR) seats to Ujyaalo Nepal in the upcoming elections on March 5.
Key highlights of the agreement
Rabi Lamichhane continues as President. The party will now have three Vice-Presidents: Kulman Ghising, DP Aryal, and Swarnim Wagle.
The merged entity will retain the name Rastriya Swatantra Party, along with its original "Bell" (Ghanti) as an election symbol and blue-and-white flag. The parties will remain committed to a 10-year roadmap to transform Nepal into a middle-income nation through "delivery-based politics," meritocracy, and zero tolerance for corruption.
Similarly, the first point of the agreement pledges to address the demands of the families of martyrs and those injured during the "Gen-Z" movement. Young activists and experts from Ujyaalo Nepal Party will be integrated into RSP based on merit, inclusivity, and public image.
The role of "alternative forces"
Prior to the signing, a high-level discussion took place between Balen Shah, Rabi Lamichhane, and Kulman Ghising. Following the merger, the leadership issued a joint call for all "pro-change" alternative political forces, groups, and individuals to unite under a single banner to drive institutional and structural reforms in Nepal.
RSP has confirmed that it will move forward with updating its revised documents at the Election Commission, Nepal immediately.
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