Putting behind the dismal performance in the last two phases of local elections, the Bibeksheel Sajha Party (BSP)— formed after the unification between Bibeksheel Nepali Party and Sajha Party nearly two months ago— is now focused on the upcoming provincial and federal elections.

The party hopes to emerge as a major political force through the coming elections.

Though the BSP has yet to finalise the name list of its candidates for the polls, the party has said in a statement that it hopes to win a considerable number of votes.

The unification has apparently bolstered the party’s spirit. 

In the first phase of the local polls, candidates from both Bibeksheel Nepali Party and Sajha Party had done unexpectedly well in the Capital. They could not achieve similar results in the second round of elections held in Province 1, 5 and 7 on June 28. The two parties later credited their poor organisational standing outside the Kathmandu Valley for the poor outcome.

The two parties announced their merger ahead of the third phase of the elections held in Province 2 on September 18, and contested from only two local units for five positions in Bara and Dhansuha districts. 

The newly formed party did not expect much from its “symbolic participation” in the elections, and the outcome was unremarkable.The coming elections, however, will be a different story, says Surya Raj Acharya, the party’s spokesperson.

“We plan to contest from almost all constituencies. Bibeksheel Sajha Party has seen this as an opportunity to take its agenda to the public, to emerge as a powerful national party,” he said.

The BSP coordinator duo Rabindra Mishra and Ujwal Thapa will lead the election campaign.Although the new party has yet to build its organisational strength outside Kathmandu Valley, it hopes to bank on young and thinking voters. 

“We certainly lack resources and party functionaries like traditional parties, but that is not going to deter us. We hope to win some key constituencies,” Acharya said. 

Fight against corruption, improving public education sector, streamlining public service and development works are likely to be in the party’s election agenda.