रास्वपाको अर्थ–राजनीतिक प्रस्ताव : ‘सामाजिक न्यायसहितको उदार अर्थतन्त्र’ मा प्रतिबद्धताRSP's economic-political proposal: A commitment to a 'liberal economy with social justice'

Governance reforms — from a directly elected PM to abolishing provincial assemblies — up for debate

KATHMANDU — Through the 'economic-political proposal' advanced by its first national convention, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has defined itself as a pluralist democratic force that believes in a liberal economy with social justice. The proposal, presented by Vice-chair Dr Swarnim Wagle in a closed session, has placed governance-reform agendas — ranging from a directly elected prime minister to the abolition of provincial assemblies — at the centre of debate.

The proposal states that the RSP is committed to the equitable advancement of all Nepalis, and sets out the goal of building an inclusive society through individual freedom, the guarantee of fundamental rights, the rule of law and accountable good governance.

The party has expressed its commitment to further strengthening Nepal's democratic republican system of governance. The proposal makes clear that if any constitutional amendment or rewriting becomes necessary, it will proceed only within the process laid down by the constitution itself.

Describing good governance, inclusion and social justice as the basic preconditions of democracy, the proposal holds that an equitable society must be built through structural transformation of the state, an end to discrimination and inequality, and respect for diversity. Linking the concept of social justice to a welfare state, it argues that the measure of development should not be limited to income growth alone but should also rest on the expansion of employment, social harmony and environmental balance.

On economic policy, the proposal regards the private sector as the principal vehicle of economic prosperity. Pointing to productivity growth as the long-term means of raising citizens' living standards, it advances the view that economic progress is possible through a combination of private investment and capable public facilitation.

To promote entrepreneurship, the proposal points to the need for fair competition, effective regulation, an investment-friendly environment and a technology-friendly framework. It states that liberal, incentive-oriented policies will be adopted to mobilise investment from legitimate sources for national capital formation.

On foreign policy, the RSP has committed to conducting an independent foreign policy based on the UN Charter, non-alignment, Panchsheel and the principles of international law. The proposal also incorporates a policy of strengthening economic diplomacy and expanding opportunities in trade, foreign direct investment and international cooperation.

The party has also prioritised a strategy of linking the non-resident Nepali community (diaspora) to Nepal's economic and diplomatic interests. The proposal sets out the objective of promoting national interest through cultural strength and international relations.

Clarifying its stance on nationalism, the proposal places the protection of Nepal's territorial integrity, sovereignty and national independence at the highest priority. It also expresses a commitment to promoting national unity and patriotism grounded in coexistence, tolerance, self-respect and equanimity.

From a directly elected PM to abolishing provincial assemblies

The proposal has put forward several ambitious governance-reform agendas for debate. These include a directly elected prime minister, a system under which MPs cannot become ministers, party-less local levels, a reduction of roughly one-third in the number of the 753 local levels, restructuring of the federal set-up including the abolition of provincial assemblies, sweeping reform of constitutional bodies including the Judicial Council, and transparent fund management for recognised political parties.

"The RSP has already introduced for debate governance-reform agendas such as a directly elected prime minister, a system in which MPs do not become ministers, party-less local levels and a one-third cut in the number of 753 local levels, restructuring of federalism including the abolition of provincial assemblies, sweeping reform of the Judicial Council and other constitutional bodies, and transparent fund-financing for recognised political parties," the proposal states.

Describing accountable good governance as the foundation of prosperity, the RSP holds that Parliament and government should be formed through periodic elections and that state power should be delimited through the rule of law. The party states that it believes in a system run not by rule through law but by the rule of law.

"The RSP believes not in ruling by law but in a system based on the rule of law. The law should be people-oriented, not regime-oriented. This helps establish trust between citizens and the state," the proposal states.

Vice-chair Wagle said that structural transformation of the state is possible only through peaceful political practice, the just management of multidimensional diversity, and an end to discrimination and disparity. In his view, social justice, democratic practice and good governance must be advanced together to build an inclusive society.

Overall, through its economic-political proposal, the RSP has sought to establish itself as an alternative political force centred on democracy, a liberal economy, social justice, good governance and national interest. The proposal advanced by the convention signals an attempt to generate fresh debate on the federal structure, the system of governance and the working styles of political parties.