The planned merger between Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Ujyaalo Nepal Party has collapsed, less than two weeks after its announcement. Ujyaalo Nepal Party leader Kulman Ghising stated the decision to disassociate was due to disagreements over inclusiveness and federalism, despite efforts for flexibility. Ghising announced his party will contest all 165 seats in the upcoming March 5 general election independently. The RSP had previously projected Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah as its Prime Ministerial candidate for the elections.