Kathmandu, June 26 -- The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party has sparked a fresh debate by proposing non-partisan formation of local councils and the National Assembly.

The proposal, endorsed at the party's maiden national convention in Bharatpur, reflects the RSP's broader push for constitutional reform. While party leaders argue that the existing political system has failed to deliver effective governance and accountability, constitutional experts and political observers say the ideas face formidable legal and political obstacles.

The agenda is contained in two separate convention documents. The political report presented by party chief Rabi Lamichhane proposes converting the upper house of parliament into a non-partisan expert body and ...