A new political force in Nepal, the National Independent Party (RSP), led by former rapper Balendra Shah, is poised for a decisive win in the nation's first parliamentary election since recent protests. The RSP, founded just four years ago, has secured a significant lead, winning 103 of 165 directly elected seats and leading in 21 others.
Balendra Shah, who also won the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral race, emerged as a key figure following the 2025 uprising that led to the ousting of the previous administration. The RSP's success marks a historic moment, unseating the long-dominant Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist).
The party's projected victory comes after widespread protests against corruption and poor governance, which saw dozens of lives lost. Despite the celebratory mood among supporters, party officials have urged restraint in public celebrations out of respect for the victims.