New Nepali Party Set for Landslide Victory

Rastriya Swatantra Party Makes History in Nepal

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former rapper Balendra Shah, is on the brink of a monumental victory in Nepal's first parliamentary election since the Gen Z-led protests ousted the old leadership. With 103 directly elected seats and leading in 21 others, RSP is set to secure over half of the 275 seats in the House of Representatives and the proportional representation seats, giving them a strong position to form the next government.

Balendra Shah, who gained prominence as Kathmandu's mayor and played a key role in the 2025 youth protests that led to the fall of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, is the party's prime ministerial candidate. His rise from a rapper to a political leader exemplifies the shifting dynamics of Nepali politics.

The victory is particularly notable as it unseats the two long-dominant parties: the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), who have alternately ruled the country for decades. This marks a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape, signaling a new era of political representation and governance in the Himalayan nation.

Supporters have celebrated the win with traditional gestures, including flower garlands and vermilion powder, but party leaders have requested no public celebrations due to the violence that occurred during last year's protests. The party's success reflects its strong appeal among Nepali voters and its ability to harness the energy of the youth-led movements.

Overall, the Rastriya Swatantra Party's landslide victory in the parliamentary election represents a transformative moment in Nepal's political history, signaling a new direction for the country's governance and representation.