KATHMANDU, Nepal — A Nepali political party led by an ex-rapper appears poised for a landslide victory in the country’s first parliamentary election since a wave of protests ousted entrenched leadership. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), formed merely four years ago, has already secured 103 of the 165 directly elected seats, with leads in an additional 21 constituencies, according to results published by Nepal’s Election Commission.

This significant triumph marks a stark departure from the long-standing dominance of the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), which have alternated power for decades. RSP’s prime ministerial candidate, rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, became a prominent figure during the protests that led to the removal of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli in 2025. "This win signifies a historic shift in the political landscape of Nepal," said a spokesperson from RSP, reflecting the sentiments echoed in national media.

The RSP’s sweeping success is being celebrated throughout the country, with jubilant supporters adorning winners with flower garlands and colorful scarves. However, party officials have urged restraint, asking supporters to forgo traditional victory rallies in remembrance of the lives lost in last year’s protests, which were ignited by widespread public dissent against corruption and governmental neglect.

In Nepal's electoral system, voters are given two ballots—one for an individual candidate and another for their preferred party. With a commanding lead in the voting, the RSP is positioned not only to claim more than half of the directly elected seats but is likely to surpass the necessary support to form a government. As the counting continues, all eyes are on the RSP and what this new political force means for the future of governance in Nepal.