What’s inside RSP’s preliminary election pledge?

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by Rabi Lamichhane, has released its preliminary manifesto ahead of the upcoming general elections, outlining a five-year roadmap of governance, economic reform, social protection, and infrastructure expansion.

The document, which the party calls a “citizen agreement” as well as a “social contract,” treats citizens’ votes as “investments” and formally pledges to deliver concrete outcomes in return. 

Many of the commitments are quantified and time-bound, focusing on anti-corruption, social inclusion, job creation, infrastructure, diaspora engagement, and fiscal governance. Yet several pledges echo themes repeatedly promised in the country’s past election cycles, highlighting the challenge of translating ambition into implementation.

For instance, the party promises to end party politicisation of state structures, launch a nationwide anti-corruption campaign, and establish a high commission to investigate assets accumulated since 1990. Government services are to be delivered digitally, expanding access and transparency.

The rest follows as:

Economic growth, middle-class expansion and social protection

RSP pledges to increase per capita annual income above $3,000 and a total domestic economy of $100 billion. Analysts note that achieving a $100 billion economy in five years is highly ambitious, given Nepal’s current economic structure, fiscal constraints, and growth patterns.

The party also promises 100% insured quality health services, reform of public education, and integrated social security from birth to death. Financial inclusion, strict regulation of cooperatives and microfinance, and the elimination of exploitative interest practices are also included.

The party commits to generating 1.2 million formal, inclusive, and secure jobs over five years, prioritising sectors such as IT, construction, tourism, agriculture, minerals, industry, and service trade. This, the party says, is aimed at reducing the daily migration of over 3,300 Nepali youths abroad.

Connectivity and infrastructure

Infrastructure pledges include building 30,000 km of national highways, 15,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity, fast and accessible internet in all settlements, and completion of 10 nationally significant “signature projects.” 

To support a competitive economy, the party commits to prioritising roads, air transport, and digital networks.

Diaspora engagement

The party seeks to provide online voting rights for Nepalis abroad and continuity of citizenship by descent. 

However, ensuring citizenship continuity would require amendments to the constitution that would likely be in favour of allowing Nepalis to hold dual citizenship. The document does not clarify whether the party supports dual citizenship, raising questions about its diaspora policy. 

Other pledges include creating a universal diaspora fund, safe investment opportunities, and regulated foreign employment.

Accountability clause

The document contains a unique accountability mechanism. In case of failing to deliver the commitments within five years, even after securing a majority single-handedly, the party urges citizens to hold them accountable by “imposing political penalties” or removing them from office in accordance with the Constitution, existing laws, and this social contract.

The document appears in lokta paper, the official paper used for government contracts, and bears thumbprints along the party’s official stamp. The party has not disclosed whose thumbprints have been used or whether they are original. 

Though such a move sounds fresh and appealing, whether it binds legally or is merely symbolic should be a concern. In a precautionary move, the party adds, “Except for circumstances beyond our control, we do not make promises we cannot fulfil. Rather, we pledge this agreement as a debt of your political trust.”

Ambition vs deliverability

While the agreement is relatively precise about the party’s priorities, several of its flagship commitments, including energy expansion, large-scale infrastructure projects, universal health coverage, integrated social security, and job creation, mirror longstanding goals repeatedly promised by previous administrations. 

Moreover, achieving a $100 billion economy and comprehensive diaspora rights within five years would require significant legal, fiscal, and administrative interventions. This raises questions about the party’s institutional capacity, political stability, and legislative strategy.

The key political question remains whether RSP can translate its formal pledge into tangible results, or whether the “agreement” will serve primarily as a symbolic commitment ahead of the 2026 elections.

Party President Lamichhane has said that the party will release a full, detailed manifesto on February 19, which is expected to expand on the commitments outlined in the “citizen agreement.”