Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is a centrist political party in Nepal that recently achieved a significant victory in parliamentary elections. Led by Balendra Shah, a former rapper and engineer, the RSP campaigned on a platform of reform, anti-corruption, and youth-driven political change. The party's success is attributed to widespread dissatisfaction with the established political order and resonates with Nepal's Gen Z population. Shah's appointment as Prime Minister marks a significant shift in Nepali politics. The RSP's election manifesto signals a potential recalibration of Nepal's foreign policy, aiming for a more balanced and pragmatic approach to relations with both India and China, prioritizing national interests and economic diplomacy. The party also made history by electing Nepal's first transgender woman lawmaker, Bhumika Shrestha, as a proportional representation MP.