Rising Political Force in Nepal: Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Dominant Election Victory
Political change is sweeping through Nepal as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a relatively new political force led by a former rapper, is poised to achieve a significant triumph in the nation’s latest parliamentary elections. This marks Nepal’s first major election following the Gen Z-led protests that dismantled the entrenched political hierarchy.
Within just four years of its inception, the RSP has clinched victory in 103 out of 165 directly elected seats, with leads in 21 additional constituencies, according to provisional results released by Nepal’s Election Commission on Sunday morning.
Other political factions and independent candidates have collectively secured 27 seats, while the vote counting continues. The final tally is anticipated later this week.
At the forefront of this political shift is Balendra Shah, a former rapper who transitioned to politics and secured the mayoral office in Kathmandu in 2022. He played a pivotal role in the 2025 uprising that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli.
Nepal’s electoral system allows for 165 members of the House of Representatives to be directly elected, with the remaining 110 seats in the 275-member body allocated through proportional representation. The RSP currently leads with approximately 51% of these seats.
The RSP’s success has disrupted the longstanding dominance of the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), which have historically alternated in governing the country.
Nepalese media have described this electoral outcome as a historic shift. The Himalayan Times declared, “RSP set for a landslide victory,” while the Annapurna Post noted, “People’s ballot revolt; shift in political paradigm.”
Celebrations have erupted among RSP supporters across various constituencies, with winners receiving flower garlands, bouquets, scarves, and being covered in red vermilion powder. Party officials have, however, urged restraint from public celebrations to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during last year’s protests.
The Nepalese electoral process provides voters with two ballots: one to select a candidate and the other to choose a preferred party. The RSP’s success in both ballots positions it to form a government, requiring the support of at least half the members in the lower house of Parliament.
The political upheaval was catalyzed by protests against corruption and governance issues, exacerbated by a controversial social media ban. These protests escalated into a widespread revolt, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries when government buildings were targeted and police responded with force.
