KATHMANDU, Nepal - Preliminary results from Nepal's parliamentary election indicate a landslide victory for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), helmed by ex-rapper Balendra Shah.This election is notable as it is the first since the youth-led revolt in 2025 that toppled the previous government, reflecting a significant shift in the political landscape of the Himalayan nation.
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nbcnews.comnpr.orgAs of Sunday morning, the RSP had secured 103 of the 165 directly elected seats and was leading in an additional 21 constituencies, as reported by Nepal's Election Commission.
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npr.orgShah, who previously won the mayoral race in Kathmandu, emerged as a prominent figure during the 2025 protests against former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, which were sparked by rising public anger over corruption and government accountability.
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nbcnews.comcarnegieendowment.orgThe RSP's campaign focused on addressing health and education issues for impoverished Nepalis, resonating with voters disenchanted with traditional political parties that have dominated the political scene for decades.Shah's candidacy was buoyed by the sentiments of a generation seeking change, marking a decisive shift in voter preferences.
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nbcnews.comnpr.orgVote counting continues across the country, with the RSP anticipated to exceed 50% of the votes in the proportional representation ballot, which allocates the remaining 110 seats of the 275-member Parliament.
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npr.orgfrance24.comThe election has been characterized as a three-way contest, with the RSP challenging the long-standing dominance of the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist).
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nbcnews.comThe rise of the RSP can be attributed not only to Shah's celebrity status but also to a broader movement among young voters who participated in the 2025 protests against corruption, which resulted in widespread violence and a significant loss of life.
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carnegieendowment.orgThe protests revealed deep-rooted frustrations with governance, leading to demands for greater accountability and transparency from elected officials.
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cfr.orgPolitical analysts describe the RSP's ascent as a "people's ballot revolt" and a reflection of the public's collective dissatisfaction with decades of poor governance by established parties.
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france24.comSupporters of the RSP celebrated the party's success by offering flowers and garlands, although party leaders urged restraint in public celebrations out of respect for those who lost their lives during the protests.
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npr.orgShah's victory over Oli, who has served multiple terms as prime minister, underscores the shifting dynamics in Nepali politics.His campaign has resonated with younger voters who feel that traditional parties have failed to address their concerns.
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france24.comThe recent election marks a critical juncture for Nepal as it navigates the aftermath of the youth-led protests and the demands for systemic change.
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cfr.orgWith results still being finalized, the RSP is expected to form a government, potentially bringing new leadership and policies aimed at addressing the pressing issues facing the nation.The outcome of this election will likely shape Nepal's political landscape in the years to come, as younger generations increasingly assert their influence in governance.
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npr.orgfrance24.comThe challenges ahead remain significant, as the RSP will need to translate electoral success into effective governance amid ongoing economic struggles and calls for reform.However, for many young Nepalis, this election represents a hopeful turning point in their quest for a more equitable and accountable political system.
