RSP's Bold New Plan: Abolish Provincial Assemblies, Elect a Direct Prime Minister

During the closed session of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)'s first national convention in Chitwan, Vice Chairman Dr. Swarnim Wagle delivered a seismic socio-political proposal that could redefine Nepal's governance. The document calls for the abolition of provincial assemblies and a significant reduction in local government units, aiming to streamline administrative efficiency and eliminate bureaucratic redundancy.

Wagle emphasized that the party intends to amend the current constitution to implement these changes once they secure sufficient political strength. This move is paired with a vision to establish a directly elected Prime Minister, shifting Nepal away from its current parliamentary model.

Reinventing Provinces Without Eliminating Them

While the proposal targets provincial assemblies, it does not seek to erase provinces entirely. RSP lawmakers, including Manish Jha, have clarified that the goal is to reinvent the function of provinces. Instead of traditional legislative bodies, representatives from local levels would carry out legislative functions at the provincial tier. This approach aims to bridge the gap between local and provincial governance, cutting duplication and improving coordination.

"The provinces will remain, but we want to abolish the provincial assemblies," Jha stated, highlighting the party's desire for a more efficient and accountable system where local representatives actively participate in provincial law-making.

Broader Reforms to Curb Bureaucratic Inflation

This proposal is part of a sweeping effort by RSP to reshape Nepal's political machinery. The party has already announced plans to cut federal ministries from 21 to 15, a move designed to curb bureaucratic inflation and reduce redundancy. Additional manifesto goals include a fully proportional parliament, recall elections, NOTA (None of the Above) provisions, and non-partisan local governments.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Implementing these reforms requires constitutional amendments that demand a two-thirds majority in the federal parliament and ratification by at least half of the provincial assemblies. Currently, no single party, including RSP, commands this level of support. However, the party is focusing on achievable initial steps, such as legal amendments for absentee voting and pilot recall mechanisms, while building momentum for its broader vision.

As RSP continues to solidify its position as a major electoral force, particularly in urban and youth demographics, its push for a directly elected executive and a streamlined federal system remains a defining chapter in Nepal's evolving political landscape.