Kathmandu, March 7 — Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is poised to form Nepal’s next government after a decisive showing in the recent general elections, reflecting widespread voter rejection of established parties. Results released as counting progressed showed Shah, popularly known as Balen, defeating four-time prime minister KP Sharma Oli by roughly 50,000 votes in Jhapa-5, securing 68,348 votes to Oli’s 18,734, the Election Commission said.
By 9:30 pm, the EC reported the RSP had won 77 of the 97 seats for which results were declared and was leading in 48 seats nationwide. The party swept all 10 constituencies in Kathmandu district and captured all 15 seats across the Kathmandu Valley, a performance analysts linked to a massive final-day roadshow led by Shah.
Major issues driving the vote included demands for stronger action against corruption, an end to nepotism and a generational change in political leadership. Legacy parties fared poorly: the Nepali Congress won 11 seats and led in seven, the CPN-UML won five and led in seven, the Nepali Communist Party won two and led in five, the Shrama Shakti Party led in three, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party won one seat. There was also one independent victor.
Voter turnout was about 60 percent for the March 5 House of Representatives poll. Counting began late Thursday night and continued across the remaining constituencies, the EC said.
The RSP performed strongly in Madhesh province as well, winning eight of 32 seats and leading in 22. RSP chairman Ravi Lamichhane won Chitwan-2 with 54,402 votes against NC’s Mina Kumari Kharel, who received 14,564. Former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda won Rukum Purba with 10,240 votes, and RPP’s Gyanendra Shahi won Jumla, becoming the sole RPP member in the new House.
The election returned 10 women to parliament — nine from the RSP and one from the Nepali Congress. India watched the vote closely; Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nepal, saying on X, “It is heartening to see my Nepali sisters and brothers exercise their democratic rights so vibrantly. This historic milestone is a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey.”
Oli, who had been RSP’s chief rival, congratulated Shah on social media and wished his government a full five-year, trouble-free term: “Balen babu, congratulations for the victory. I wish your five year tenure be trouble free, successful and hearty congratulations.” (PTI)
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/03/08/rapper-politician-balendra-to-take-over-as-nepal-pm/
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Publish Date: 2026-03-08 03:10:00
