RSP towards a Two-Thirds Majority, the Real Test Begins

Sabika Shrestha

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is poised to form a historic majority government in Nepal following a landslide election victory.

As the last remaining election results continue to pour in, the mandate has clearly granted the relatively new party chance to govern the country independently.

Despite this power shift away from the earlier established political parties, the road ahead is not going to be as easy as it seems.

Established just four years ago, Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is nearing an overwhelming two-third majority in the House of Representatives.

The people in the March 5 election have shown their faith in the new party that has been championing good governance and anti-corruption crusade in the country.

However, despite the clear majority which in fact could exceed the magic figure of two-third in the lower house, experts suggest that the road ahead is not going to be as easy as promised.

While a majority government can bring programs as per its election manifesto to establish good governance, draft new laws, pass budgets, and maintain a corruption-free administration, it would still lack the unilateral power to amend the constitution, declare a state of emergency, hold referendums, or sign long-term international treaties.

As an RSP-led majority government becomes a near-certainty, a debate has emerged regarding its capabilities and limitations.

According to experts, government with 2/3^rd majority will not have any pressure from coalition partners in maintaining good governance to corruption-free administrative mechanism.

Bringing the policy and programs as per the manifesto and allocating budget accordingly will also not be an issue but the problem as always has been in the implementation.

People will be eyeing the implementation more than the documents which are promising without doubts.  

Furthermore, government with 2/3^rd majority would have the power to impeach and remove heads of constitutional bodies, members, or high-ranking officials like the Chief Justice in cases of constitutional violations or incompetence.

However, would the government prioritize such issues or works towards addressing the public concerns on service delivery and crackdown on corruption is the pertinent question. 

Senior Advocate Dr. Chandrakanta Gyawali said a two-thirds majority is required in both houses to amend the Constitution. While the ruling side already has a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, they would still need to consult and gain the trust of two or three parties there. If that support is secured, they could amend the Constitution and even alter the governance structure. According to Gyawali, the current system has struggled to deliver a stable government, and debates have emerged about reforms such as a directly elected Prime Minister or President.

However, obtaining a single-party majority does not make a government omnipotent.

For several critical decisions, a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the National Assembly is mandatory.

With the upper house still in favour of the now defeated political parties, it would not be easy for the dominant force in the lower house to act as per its will when it comes to amending constitution. 

Gyawali also noted that the government has been formed under Article 76(1) of the Constitution, allowing a single party to lead. Bills that originate in the House of Representatives can ultimately be passed there even if the National Assembly does not approve them. He added that the House of Representatives also holds significant authority, including the power to initiate impeachment against constitutional office bearers, the Chief Justice, and judges if they are found incompetent or guilty of serious constitutional violations.

Political analysts believe the current public mandate is a result of disillusionment with traditional parties and a deep desire for change.

Also, the internal power equation is something the relatively new party is yet to institutionalize. 

However, if the government fails to meet public expectations, the people will certainly seek alternatives, if not immediately in the next election.