The Nepal General Election 2026 has produced a dramatic early trend, with the newly formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerging as the frontrunner in the initial vote count. The party, led by former rapper and political figure Balendra Shah, is leading in a majority of constituencies as counting continues across the country.
This election marks Nepal’s first general vote since the mass Gen Z protests that led to the collapse of the KP Sharma Oli-led coalition government.
According to early reports, the Rastriya Swatantra Party is leading in 47 of the 57 constituencies where vote counting has begun.
Other major parties are currently trailing behind:
CPN (UML) led by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli – leading in 5 seats
Nepali Congress, led by Gagan Thapa – leading in 4 seats
Nepal Communist Party led by former premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” – leading in 2 seats
Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) – leading in 1 seat
The strong early performance of the RSP suggests a major political shift in Nepal’s democratic landscape.
The RSP has already secured three parliamentary victories in Kathmandu, according to party sources, although the Election Commission of Nepal has yet to formally confirm the results.
The winners include:
Ranju Darshana (Neupane) – Kathmandu 1
Ganesh Parajuli – Kathmandu 7
Biraj Bhakta Shrestha – Kathmandu 8
These early wins highlight the growing support for the newly formed party among urban voters.
One of the standout figures in the election is Ranju Darshana, who won the Kathmandu-1 constituency with 15,455 votes according to the final tally.
Darshana first gained national attention when she contested the Kathmandu mayoral election at just 21 years old. Her campaign focused on transforming the capital into one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Born in March 1996, Darshana was raised in Kathmandu by a single mother who supported the family through tailoring and childcare work. Despite financial challenges, she completed her education and later earned:
Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies from Kathmandu University
Master’s degree in Political Science from Tribhuvan University
Postgraduate diploma in counselling psychology
Her victory reflects the growing influence of young leaders in Nepalese politics.
The 2026 elections are seen as a turning point in Nepal’s political history, taking place after widespread youth-led protests that reshaped the country's political landscape.
The results will determine whether new political forces like the Rastriya Swatantra Party can reshape Nepal’s governance after years of dominance by traditional parties.
Vote counting is still underway, and official results are expected to be announced by the Election Commission of Nepal later today.
LaieslyBird
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