Nepal Election Results 2026: RSP Dominates Early Vote Count
The political environment of Nepal has changed significantly with the preliminary results of the 2026. General elections showing that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is ahead in numerous constituencies. This is largely due to the growing young voter base supporting youth leader Balen Shah. With RSP gaining the lead in 44 seats at present, this may be an indicator of a shift in the country’s political landscape.
RSP Showing Initial Leads Throughout Nepal
Trends from early vote counting suggest that RSP has had major successes in multiple constituencies across the country. Rabi Lamichhane, RSP’s chairman, is currently leading in the Chitwan-2 Constituency while Balen Shah is ahead in Jhapa-5 Constituency.
In the capital city, Kathmandu, RSP candidates are also leading in the Kathmandu-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 Constituencies. Additionally, RSP is leading in all constituencies in Bhaktapur District.
Outside of the capital region, RSP candidates are also performing strongly in constituencies like Morang, Dhanusha, Rautahat, Bara, Lalitpur, Kaski, Rupandehi, Dang, Banke, and Kanchanpur. It is indicating the party’s strengthening influence throughout the Himalayan nation.
Youth Engagement Drives RSP Growth
Balen Shah, a former rapper and now some who is considered a political leader, became popular with urban and youth voters through his use of social media and strong anti-establishment messaging. His rise to power in politics correlates with a wave of youth activism in Nepal in 2025.
The support of Gen Z for RSP has made it a viable option for voters who are disillusioned with traditional, corrupt political parties. They are out of work and experiencing financial hardship.
Voter Turnout and Gen Z Participation
Voter turnout numbers are currently estimated at roughly 60 percent overall. With a notable increase in participation amongst youth voters. The energy seen from Gen Z participants, according to officials, was “unparalleled.”
The Government’s Election Commission of Nepal attributed the smooth running of the election to successful voter education campaign efforts, collaboration with political parties, and improved security measures.
Election Commission of Nepal spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai praised youth voter participation. It highlighted both their role as candidates and voters as a positive sign for democratic development in Nepal.
The first general election is being held in a month following widespread protests led by youth activists across the country over the past six months. Thousands of young people took to the streets in protest against the government of former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli. It demanded government accountability and transparency. These protests, driven primarily by unemployment, financial difficulties, and restrictions on using social media, eventually escalated into violent incidents. It resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries to several thousand participants.
Nepal also witnessed an unprecedented event during this period of unrest when former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Interim Prime Minister. She is the first woman to take on this position.
We Expect to Have an Initial Outcome Soon
Voting concluded on Thursday night. Officials believe we will have the final results in the next 24 hours. After the results of the first-past-the-post category are announced, counting for the proportional representation category will begin.
The early signs indicate that the RSP will have a commanding lead in the election, which may signal a significant shift toward youth-centric politics for Nepal, a trend that has received extensive coverage in the international recent news updates.
