KATHMANDU, Nepal — A significant political shift is underway in Nepal following the country’s first parliamentary election since the Gen Z protests, which resulted in the ousting of long-standing leadership. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former rapper Balendra Shah, is poised for a decisive victory, according to preliminary results released by Nepal’s Election Commission on Sunday.
### RSP Achieves Historic Win
The RSP, formed just four years ago, has already secured 103 out of 165 directly elected seats in the House of Representatives. The party is currently leading in 21 additional constituencies, marking a dramatic rise in political influence. Other political entities and independent candidates have managed to win a total of 27 seats, though counting is ongoing, and final results are anticipated later in the week.
Shah, who previously served as the mayor of Kathmandu and is recognized for his role as a key figure in the uprising of 2025, is the RSP’s candidate for Prime Minister. His party’s sweeping success signals a departure from the two dominant political factions in Nepal—the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist)—that have historically shared power.
### Voter Sentiment and Celebration
Results indicate that the RSP has earned approximately 51% of the votes in the proportional representation component of the election, which will further enhance its position in the 275-member Parliament. This electoral win has been labeled a watershed moment by local media, with headlines celebrating a “people’s ballot revolt” and a “shift in political paradigm.”
Celebrations among RSP supporters have erupted in various constituencies, with jubilant crowds honoring their victorious candidates with flower garlands and traditional red vermilion powder. However, party officials have urged supporters to refrain from large public celebrations, paying respect to the lives lost during last year’s protests. These demonstrations, initially sparked by a controversial social media ban, escalated into widespread unrest against corruption and mismanagement, resulting in dozens of deaths and numerous injuries.
The election, where voters utilize two ballots—one for a candidate and another for a party—highlights the RSP’s impressive grassroots appeal. Having achieved a clear majority in both components, the party is now tasked with forming a stable government amid a changing political landscape.
### Conclusion
As the RSP prepares for its new role in governance, the challenges ahead remain considerable. The need to rebuild trust in Nepal’s political system will be critical, particularly in light of the events that fueled public discontent over the previous years. The path forward for Shah and the RSP will likely focus on issues rooted in accountability, transparency, and addressing the concerns that led to the recent protests. As final counts are confirmed and the dust settles on this historic election, the eyes of the nation will be on the newly elected leaders as they begin to navigate the complexities of governance in a rapidly evolving political environment.
Source reference: Full report
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