Rastriya Swatantra Party

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is a political party in Nepal led by Balendra Shah, a former rapper and mayor of Kathmandu. Founded just four years ago, the RSP has achieved a sweeping parliamentary majority in the recent election, marking one of the most dramatic shifts in Nepal's political landscape. This victory comes after youth-led protests in the previous year toppled the government due to issues like corruption, economic stagnation, and inequality. Balendra Shah, at 36, is poised to become Nepal's youngest prime minister. His campaign and victory reflect a desire for change and unity, as highlighted in his post-election rap message. The election was also notable for the use of AI deepfakes to spread misinformation, although this did not ultimately derail the RSP's success. The RSP's rise signifies a significant challenge to established political parties and a potential turning point in Nepali politics.