Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party Poised for Historic Win in General Elections

In a significant turn of events, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by Balendra Shah, is poised for a historic victory in Nepal's general elections. This election marks the first since the Gen Z protests that led to the fall of the previous government. With the RSP leading in a majority of constituencies, the outcome could reshape Nepal's political landscape. India is closely watching the developments, hoping for a stable government to enhance bilateral ties. As the counting progresses, key candidates and parties are emerging, indicating a potential shift in governance. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding political story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 6, 2026, 16:44 IST

Election Results Indicate a Shift in Nepal's Political Landscape

Kathmandu: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, is on track for a significant victory in Nepal's first general elections following the upheaval caused by the Gen Z protests that led to the fall of K P Sharma Oli's government last September.

As per the Election Commission's updates, the RSP is currently leading in 70 out of 94 constituencies where votes are being counted, while the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and the Nepali Communist Party are each ahead in six constituencies.

India is closely monitoring the election, hoping for a stable government in Nepal to enhance their developmental partnership. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed India's eagerness to collaborate with the new government for mutual benefits.

Jaiswal noted that India has consistently supported Nepal's peace and stability, providing logistical assistance for the elections as requested by the Nepali government.

Balendra Shah, who recently served as the Mayor of Kathmandu, is currently leading in the Jhapa-5 constituency against the four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair, Oli, in what is considered a stronghold for the latter. Shah has garnered 6,090 votes compared to Oli's 1,248 votes as of 10 am.

Other parties, including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Progressive Democratic Party, Shram Sanskrti Party, and independent candidates, are each leading in one constituency.

So far, the Election Commission has confirmed that both the RSP and the Nepali Congress have secured one seat each. Ranju Darshana from the RSP won in Kathmandu-1 with 15,455 votes, while Yogesh Gauchan Thakali from the Nepali Congress won in Mustang with 3,307 votes.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has also received 5,924 votes, leading in Rukum East.

Reports indicate that the RSP is ahead in all 10 constituencies of Kathmandu.

The elections saw a voter turnout of approximately 60% for the House of Representatives on Thursday. Vote counting commenced late Thursday night and is expected to conclude by Friday evening.

Established in 2022, the RSP has positioned Balen as its candidate for prime minister, receiving substantial support during the campaign. In contrast, the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) were part of the government that was ousted by the Gen Z protests last year.

Gagan Thapa, president of the Nepali Congress, is the prime ministerial candidate for his party, while the CPN (UML) has nominated Oli as its candidate.

Nepal's 18.9 million eligible voters are tasked with electing 275 members to the House of Representatives, with 165 members chosen through a first-past-the-post system and 110 through proportional representation.

Around 3,400 candidates are competing for the 165 direct voting seats, while 3,135 candidates are vying for the 110 proportional representation seats.

The Gen Z protests, which took place on September 8 and 9, resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Oli, who had been leading a coalition government supported by the Nepali Congress.

Following Oli's removal, President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives on September 12 and appointed Sushila Karki as the caretaker prime minister.

Key issues raised by the Gen Z protests include anti-corruption, good governance, an end to nepotism, and a demand for generational change in political leadership.

Nepal's political landscape has been unstable, with 14 governments formed in the past 18 years.