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Balendra Shah’s RSP Secures Majority in Nepal’s Parliament After Youth-Fueled Vote

The landslide hands the 35-year-old reformist a direct mandate to form a government within days.

Overview

  • Official results confirm the Rastriya Swatantra Party won 182 of 275 seats — 125 directly and 57 via proportional representation — delivering a single-party majority.
  • The Nepali Congress took 38 seats and CPN‑UML won 25, with Shah defeating former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli in Jhapa‑5.
  • The March 5 election was the first since last year’s Gen Z protests over corruption and a social‑media ban, which left at least 77 people dead and have spurred calls for justice.
  • Analysts say the incoming administration faces tight finances and limited capacity as it pursues anti‑corruption and jobs promises, with ratings analysts seeing potential for stability but warning of execution risks.
  • Under constitutional procedures, parties will submit proportional-seat nominations before parliament is convened, and Shah is expected to be named prime minister shortly thereafter.