Rabi Lamichhane, president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has called for a major change in Nepal’s political system. Speaking from Bhairahawa prison, where he is being held on cooperative fraud charges, Lamichhane released a bold political statement demanding a full rewrite of the country’s constitution.
In a 20-page appeal marking the RSP’s third anniversary, Lamichhane said Nepal’s current constitution promotes deep-rooted corruption and political crime. He claimed small fixes will not work and that the entire system needs to be rebuilt.
Lamichhane proposed replacing Nepal’s parliamentary system with a presidential one. He wants a directly elected executive leader, saying that the current model has caused long-term political instability. According to him, constant changes in government have made it hard for leaders to focus on development and public welfare.
He also criticized Nepal’s federal system. Lamichhane called it ineffective and too costly. He believes federalism has not delivered better governance and has only added extra layers of bureaucracy.
The RSP leader wants to turn the National Assembly into a council of experts with no ties to political parties. He argued that the assembly should no longer be a place for rejected politicians or their family members. Instead, he said it should include skilled professionals who can guide national policies.
Lamichhane also called for a full review of all cabinet decisions made since 1990. He demanded a detailed investigation into the personal wealth of top officials. In his statement, he raised concerns that corruption has grown unchecked under the current structure.
He further called for an overhaul of Nepal’s constitutional commissions. These bodies, he said, must become independent and more effective. Lamichhane also criticized sister organizations linked to political parties. He blamed them for spreading corruption and weakening state institutions.
Alongside his political suggestions, Lamichhane stressed the need for major economic reforms. He said Nepal’s economy must be reshaped to create more jobs and attract investment. He called for new liberal economic policies to help young people who are frustrated by a lack of opportunities.
He warned that Nepal is at a turning point. If big changes are not made soon, the country risks falling deeper into economic and political crisis.
Despite being in custody, Lamichhane urged the public to prepare for a peaceful revolution. He said that change can come through elections or mass public movements. In his view, the RSP is leading a national effort to restore good governance and rebuild Nepal.
Lamichhane described the party’s mission as a fight for a better future. He said the RSP will not stop pushing for reform, even as its leaders face legal and political hurdles.
His strong words are likely to spark more debate on the future of Nepal’s political structure. With public interest growing in reform efforts, Lamichhane’s message may fuel wider discussions on constitutional change, federalism, and the role of political parties in governance.
As Nepal prepares for future elections and continued political shifts, the ideas raised by Lamichhane from behind bars could shape the country’s next chapter. His call for a directly elected executive and end to federalism adds new weight to the growing demand for a different political path.
