Nepal Sees Political Earthquake as New Party Led by Ex-Rapper Sweeps Elections
Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal is bracing for a dramatic shift in its political landscape following a landslide victory by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a relatively new force led by Balendra Shah, a former rapper and Kathmandu’s current mayor. The results, released Sunday by Nepal’s Election Commission, signal a rejection of the established political order that has governed the Himalayan nation for decades.
The RSP has already secured 117 of the 165 directly elected seats in the House of Representatives, with leads in eight additional constituencies. Other parties and independent candidates have collectively won 36 seats thus far, with vote counting continuing and final results expected later this week. The RSP is also leading in approximately 51% of the 110 seats allocated through proportional representation.
This sweeping win unseats the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), which have historically dominated Nepal’s political scene, alternating in power. Local media outlets are hailing the outcome as a watershed moment. The Himalayan Times declared “RSP set for a landslide victory,” while Annapurna Post described it as a “People’s ballot revolt; shift in political paradigm.”
The RSP, formed just four years ago, gained prominence following the 2025 protests that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. Shah, who won the Kathmandu mayoral race in 2022, is now the party’s prime ministerial candidate.
Nepal’s parliamentary system comprises 165 directly elected members and 110 seats allocated through proportional representation, totaling 275 members. The RSP’s strong performance across both systems demonstrates broad public support for change. The results reflect a growing desire among Nepali voters, particularly younger generations, for new leadership and a break from traditional political structures.