Nepal Election 2026: Balendra Shah’s RSP surges, leads in nearly 100 constituencies

Guwahati: Balendra Shah, the rapper-turned-politician, is at the forefront of his newly established Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Nepal’s general elections.

This is the country’s first vote since last year’s violent youth-led protests that unsettled the long-standing political order.

Data released by the Election Commission of Nepal shows that the RSP has already claimed 18 seats and is currently ahead in 99 others.

In the high-profile Jhapa-5 race, Balendra Shah has secured a commanding lead against former prime minister and CPN-UML leader K.P. Sharma Oli.

In comparison, the Nepali Congress has won four constituencies and leads in 11, while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) has secured one seat and is leading in 11.

The Nepal Communist Party has captured two seats and is ahead in 10 additional areas.

These elections come after the removal of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, following large-scale demonstrations by younger voters demanding stronger anti-corruption measures, improved governance, and a generational shift in political leadership.

The House of Representatives in Nepal consists of 275 members, with 165 chosen through direct voting and the remaining 110 through proportional representation.

Of the roughly 18.9 million eligible voters, approximately 60 percent participated in this pivotal election.

Further updates awaited.