Nepali Rastriya Swatantra Party Set for Landslide Victory in Nepal's Parliamentary Election

A New Political Party in Nepal Poised for Victory

A newly formed political party in Nepal, led by a former rapper, is on track for a landslide win in the country's first parliamentary election since Gen Z-led protests forced the ousting of the old leadership. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), established only four years ago, has won 103 out of 165 directly elected seats and is leading in 21 other constituencies, according to results released on March 8, 2026.

The party's prime ministerial candidate, Balendra Shah, who gained prominence during the 2025 uprising that led to the collapse of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli's government, is a key figure in this political shift. The election results demonstrate a clear preference for change, with RSP securing over 50% of the seats in both the directly elected and proportional representation systems.

This victory represents a historic moment in Nepal's political landscape, unseating the two long-dominant parties: the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist). Local media has hailed the win as a significant turning point, with headlines such as 'RSP set for a landslide victory' and 'People's ballot revolt; shift in political paradigm.'

While supporters have celebrated the win with traditional gestures like flower garlands and vermilion powder, party officials have asked for no public celebrations to respect the lives lost during the 2025 protests. The election marks a new era in Nepali politics, with the RSP leading the charge for change.