A total of 197 individuals have registered to become Rural Municipality Chairpersons for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Gandaki Province. The party launched its online sign-up initiative on August 17 through its Rural Municipality Candidate Club.
Currently, there are no sign-ups from Manang and Mustang as the RSP is still developing its presence in those areas.
Gorkha Leads in Applications
Gorkha has the highest number of applicants, with 41 individuals seeking the Rural Municipality chairperson role. Syangja follows with 32 applicants, while Kaski has 31.
District Breakdown:
- Gorkha: 41
- Syangja: 32
- Kaski: 31
- Tanahun: 23
- Parbat: 23
- Baglung: 16
- Nawalpur: 14
- Lamjung: 11
- Myagdi: 6
Gandaki Province has 58 rural municipalities, and the number of applicants varies by district.
No Applicants from Manang and Mustang
Manang and Mustang currently have no applicants. Mustang has 5 rural municipalities and Manang has 4. The RSP is still working to establish its organization in these regions, as noted by RSP Gandaki Province Chairperson Nabin Tripathi.
In Myagdi, there are 5 rural municipalities, but only three received applications, totaling six candidates. Annapurna and Malika rural municipalities did not have any applicants.
Kaski Shows Strong Interest
Kaski has 31 applicants across its 4 rural municipalities. Madi has the most interest, with 12 applicants, followed by Machhapuchhre with 9, Annapurna with 8, and Rupa with 2.
In Syangja, Aandhikhola had the highest number of applicants at 10, while Arjunchaupari and Phedikhola each had 6. Harinas had 5 applicants, and Kaligandaki had 3, with Biruwa contributing 2.
Both Tanahun and Parbat reported 23 applicants. In Tanahun, Bandipur and Ghiring each had 6 applicants, while Bihadi in Parbat had 7 and Modi had 6.
Baglung attracted 16 applicants from its 6 rural municipalities, whereas Lamjung had 11. Nawalpur had 3 applicants, with Hupsekot being the most popular.
RSP Opens Sign-Ups for Municipal Positions
The RSP has also initiated sign-ups for municipal positions, starting October 15, for roles such as mayor, deputy mayor, ward chairperson, and member. Party leaders report a strong interest in higher local government roles, although fewer applicants have come forward for vice chairperson and member positions.
“We are still accepting applications. Some individuals are exploring the lateral entry route to become candidates,” Tripathi mentioned.
There is no specific deadline for the rural municipality sign-ups.
Not Guaranteed Nomination
The Candidate Club, operated by the RSP, is designed to identify potential candidates for local government roles. Registering indicates a desire to be a candidate for the party, but individuals must undergo the RSP’s selection process.
The sign-ups from Gandaki reflect the interest in the RSP as it prepares for local elections. The final list of candidates will be determined by the selection process.