KATHMANDU, JULY 1

The newly elected office-bearers and central committee members of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) took the oath of office at the party's central office in Chamati on Wednesday.

Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane administered the oath to the central committee members before swearing in the newly elected office-bearers. He also presented certificates and gifted a symbolic party bell to the central committee members.

The new leadership was elected during the party's first general convention held in Bharatpur, Chitwan, from June 21 to 26.

The convention elected a 99-member central committee along with the party's office-bearers.

Newly elected office-bearers

• Chairperson: Rabi Lamichhane (elected unopposed; had already taken oath)
• Vice-chairperson (Open): Dr Swarnim Wagle (unopposed)
• Vice-chairperson (Women): Sobita Gautam
• General Secretary: Bipin Kumar Acharya
• Joint General Secretaries: Asim Shah, Hari Dhakal and Nisha Dangi

The central committee comprises representatives elected under open, inclusive and provincial categories. The party elected members from the Khas/Arya, Indigenous, Tharu, Madhesi, Dalit and Muslim communities, as well as five representatives each from the seven provinces.

The election of office-bearers was held after the completion of voting for central committee members during the second phase of the party's inaugural general convention.