Rastriya Swatantra Party

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a relatively new political entity founded four years ago, has achieved a landslide victory in Nepal's recent parliamentary election. Led by Balendra Shah, a former rapper and mayor of Kathmandu, the RSP's success marks a significant shift in Nepali politics. The election, the first since youth-led protests toppled the previous government in 2025 due to corruption, economic stagnation, and inequality, saw nearly 19 million voters participate. The RSP secured 182 seats, falling just short of a two-thirds supermajority. Shah defeated former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli in Jhapa. The party's rise is attributed to widespread discontent and a desire for change, particularly among younger voters. The election was also marked by the spread of AI-generated deepfakes, highlighting the challenges of misinformation in the political landscape. The RSP's victory positions Balendra Shah as a potential prime minister and signifies a major shakeup in Nepal's political establishment.