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Rastriya Swatantra Party Dominates Nepal Elections, Shah Set to Lead

3/13/2026

31 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In Nepal's March 5, 2026 elections, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by Balendra Shah, won 182 of 275 seats, with 125 direct and 57 proportional representation.
The victory follows youth-led protests that ousted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in 2025.
The Nepali Congress finished second with 38 seats, and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) won 25.
Shah is positioned to become the next prime minister.

History

Historical Context

In 2025, widespread protests erupted in Nepal against Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli's government, triggered by a ban on social media platforms. This unrest culminated in Oli's resignation on September 9, 2025, and the dissolution of the House of Representatives. The subsequent 2026 elections saw the Rastriya Swatantra Party achieve a historic victory, reflecting a significant shift in the political landscape driven by youth discontent.

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Story summary

In Nepal's March 5, 2026 elections, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by Balendra Shah, won 182 of 275 seats, with 125 direct and 57 proportional representation.
The victory follows youth-led protests that ousted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in 2025.
The Nepali Congress finished second with 38 seats, and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) won 25.
Shah is positioned to become the next prime minister.

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