KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing to formally elect Balen Shah as its parliamentary party leader ahead of the swearing-in of newly elected members of the House of Representatives scheduled for March 26.

Shah, who joined the party prior to the March 5 elections, is expected to be officially endorsed for the role within the next few days. The party had already projected him as its prime ministerial candidate during the election campaign.

Party leaders say the process of government formation will move forward only after Shah is elected as the parliamentary party leader. Preparations are also underway to finalize the cabinet lineup before forming the new government.

Following the oath-taking ceremony of lawmakers on March 26, Shah is likely to take the oath of office as prime minister on either March 27 or 28.

Earlier, RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane held discussions with senior leader Shah, Vice Chairs DP Aryal and Swarnim Wagle regarding the roadmap for government formation.

According to party sources, there is agreement to elect Shah as parliamentary party leader by Saturday and proceed toward administering the prime ministerial oath shortly thereafter.

The Election Commission Nepal has already distributed certificates to proportional representation lawmakers, paving the way for the next steps. Party meetings are expected to conclude the leadership selection process soon.

The party also plans to finalize ministerial appointments and the Speaker before the March 26 swearing-in of lawmakers, enabling swift government formation.

RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti said preparations are underway to hold the prime minister’s oath-taking on March 27, with March 28 as a fallback if needed.

Meanwhile, the Federal Parliament Secretariat has issued a notice confirming the oath-taking ceremony for newly elected lawmakers. Senior-most lawmaker Arjun Narsingh KC is set to administer the oath.

Focus on Clean and Capable Cabinet

Internal discussions within the party have also centered on forming a streamlined cabinet with capable and non-controversial ministers.

Sources indicate that Swarnim Wagle is almost certain to be appointed finance minister, while deliberations continue over the home ministry.

Leaders have emphasized setting clear criteria for minister selection and reducing the number of ministries to ensure efficiency.

There is also growing consensus to form the cabinet in a single phase alongside Shah’s swearing-in. The Speaker is expected to be from RSP while the party may request the main opposition to nominate a candidate for deputy speaker.

Party insiders suggest that while Shah will lead the government party operations will remain under the leadership of Chair Lamichhane to maintain a balance between governance and organization.