BY PC Bureau
March 6, 2026 — Vote counting is progressing rapidly in Nepal’s snap general election held on March 5, the first nationwide parliamentary poll since the Gen Z–led protests that forced Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli to resign in September 2025.
Early trends show the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former Kathmandu mayor and rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah—popularly known as Balen—establishing a commanding lead across multiple constituencies.
Nepal’s House of Representatives has 275 seats. Of these, 165 are filled through direct first-past-the-post elections in single-member constituencies, while the remaining 110 seats are allocated through proportional representation based on nationwide party vote share.
Counting for directly elected seats began shortly after polls closed at 5 p.m. local time on Thursday, with the Election Commission aiming to declare results within 24 hours where possible. However, final nationwide tallies—including proportional representation seats—may take several days.
RSP Leads Early Results
As of midday Friday (March 6), live updates from multiple outlets indicate a strong performance by the RSP:
The RSP is reportedly leading in more than 100 constituencies in several tracking reports, with figures rising steadily through successive updates.
In early counts from 94 constituencies, the RSP led in around 70 seats, while traditional parties trailed significantly.
Major parties including the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (CPN-UML), and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) were each leading in only single-digit constituencies in early tallies.
A closely watched race is unfolding in Jhapa-5, where Shah is directly challenging former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli in what has long been considered his political stronghold. Early trends show Shah ahead in that contest.
Nepal’s pro-Gen Z political force, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is leading in 105 of 165 seats, signalling a major shift in the country’s political landscape and growing support for a new generation of leadership. #NepalElections @ShahBalen @party_swatantra pic.twitter.com/q4IEM04tiJ
— Ajeet Singh (@geoajeet) March 6, 2026
Youth Wave Behind Shah’s Rise
The RSP’s momentum reflects a broader youth-driven political surge. Shah, 35, has positioned himself as a champion of anti-corruption reforms, transparent governance, and generational change.
Before entering national politics, Shah gained fame as an independent rapper and later won the Kathmandu mayoral election in 2022 as an independent candidate. He later aligned with the RSP and resigned as mayor to contest the parliamentary elections.
The party’s bell symbol and its calls for systemic reform have resonated strongly with younger voters, many of whom were politically mobilized during the protests of 2025.
READ: More Than 100 Tremors Strike Nevada Desert, Near Test Range
READ: US Grants 30-Day Waiver Allowing India to Import Russian Oil
From Gen Z Uprising to Snap Polls
The election comes just six months after massive nationwide protests in September 2025. Demonstrations initially erupted online amid growing frustration over corruption, unemployment, economic inequality, and the lavish lifestyles of political elites’ children—often dubbed “Nepo Kids.”
Anger intensified after the government imposed a temporary social media ban, triggering widespread demonstrations across the country.
Clashes between protesters and security forces led to dozens of deaths, with reports estimating between 19 and more than 70 fatalities. Government buildings, party offices, and parts of the parliament complex were also damaged in arson attacks.
Amid the escalating unrest, Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025.
An interim administration led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was subsequently formed. The House of Representatives was dissolved, and early elections were announced on September 12, 2025, setting the stage for Thursday’s vote.
Key Contenders
The election pits Nepal’s long-standing political leaders against a rising generation of reform-oriented politicians:
Balendra Shah (RSP): Seen by many analysts as a leading contender for the prime minister’s post if his party maintains its strong showing.
K. P. Sharma Oli (CPN-UML): Seeking a political comeback after his resignation last year.
Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” (CPN-Maoist Centre): A veteran leader aiming to retain influence in a shifting political landscape.
Gagan Thapa (Nepali Congress): Leading a reform-oriented faction within the party.
High Stakes for Nepal’s Political Future
Nearly 19 million eligible voters participated in Thursday’s election, with particularly strong turnout reported in urban areas fueled by youth enthusiasm.
A strong showing by the RSP could mark a historic shift in Nepalese politics, potentially allowing the party to form a government on its own or lead coalition negotiations.
The Election Commission has urged patience as vote counting continues, especially in remote regions where ballot boxes are being transported by helicopter.
Officials say they are committed to ensuring transparent and timely results.
