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Shah's RSP Triumphs: Major Shift to Single-Party Rule

3/10/2026

26 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Balendra Shah, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led a victory of at least 117 of 165 directly elected seats.
Shah defeated ex-Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, winning 68,348 votes to 18,734.
The election followed youth-led protests against corruption last year.
Analysts say the result signals a shift toward a single-party government.
Prime Minister Modi of India praised the peaceful process and cooperation with the new government.

History

Historical Context

The 2022 Nepalese general election saw Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party secure 125 of 165 seats, reflecting a significant political shift amid widespread youth protests against corruption. This unrest, culminating in the resignation of former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, highlighted the demand for accountability and reform in Nepal's governance, with nearly 19 million citizens registered to vote in the subsequent elections.

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Story summary

Balendra Shah, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led a victory of at least 117 of 165 directly elected seats.
Shah defeated ex-Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, winning 68,348 votes to 18,734.
The election followed youth-led protests against corruption last year.
Analysts say the result signals a shift toward a single-party government.
Prime Minister Modi of India praised the peaceful process and cooperation with the new government.

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