Kathmandu, June 27: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has wrapped up its first national general convention after it stretched from the planned three days to five, exposing internal divisions that overshadowed what was expected to be a defining moment for the party. While the leadership election has formally settled key positions, the convention ended with allegations of procedural violations, complaints over representation and open dissatisfaction from several leaders and lawmakers.

Rabi Lamichhane was re-elected unopposed as party chair. The party has also agreed to entrust the role of senior leader to Prime Minister Balen Shah.

Swarnim Wagle was elected unopposed as vice chair representing the men’s category, while Sobita Gautam defeated Toshima Karki to become the party’s female vice chair. The party has also decided to nominate one additional vice chair.

Bipin Kumar Acharya secured the post of general secretary after defeating Manish Jha, Ganesh Karki and Sagar Dhakal. Another general secretary will be nominated by the party.

Hari Dhakal, Nisha Dangi and Ashim Shah were elected as joint general secretaries. Although several candidates contested the positions, the three emerged victorious. The party will nominate two more joint general secretaries.

Besides the elected officials, the party will nominate one spokesperson, three deputy spokespersons, one treasurer and two deputy treasurers. Once the appointments are completed, the RSP will have a total of 19 office bearers.

Many leaders aligned with Balen Shah had chosen not to contest the elections after an understanding was reached that they would be accommodated through nominations.

The arrangement is aimed at maintaining a balance between the two major camps inside the party, with leaders close to Rabi Lamichhane entering the leadership through elections while those aligned with Balen Shah are expected to join through nominated positions, including vice chair, general secretary and joint general secretary.

The convention also elected 99 members to the party’s central committee, marking the first such internal democratic exercise since the party’s formation nearly four years ago.