KATHMANDU — Several candidates listed by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) under the proportional representation category for the House of Representatives have begun announcing their withdrawal from the race.
As of Saturday evening, five individuals have publicly declared their decision to withdraw their candidacies. Those withdrawing include mountaineer Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, singer Trishala Gurung, actor and television presenter Asif Shah, Sachin Dhakal—the son of industrialist Chandra Dhakal—and academic Mahendra Lawati.
According to party sources, a number of other candidates have also informed party leaders of their intention to withdraw. Candidates seeking to remove their names must submit a formal application to the Election Commission, which has set the deadline for withdrawals as January 12.
The Constitution of Nepal provides for a proportional representation system to ensure inclusion of marginalized, oppressed, and underrepresented communities in the House of Representatives. However, the RSP faced public criticism after nominating individuals perceived as being close relatives of party leaders or influential figures, raising questions about adherence to the spirit of inclusiveness.
RSP spokesperson Manish Jha said the withdrawals were a response to concerns raised in public discourse. “Wherever serious questions were raised, the decision by those candidates to withdraw reflects respect for public sentiment,” he said.
