RSP Takes the Helm of National Leadership

The interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki has successfully conducted the parliamentary election while fulfilling its constitutional responsibility. This marks an important milestone in Nepal’s democratic process. The election has strengthened citizens’ confidence in democracy at home while also demonstrating Nepal’s democratic commitment to the international community.

Held two years earlier than scheduled, the election delivered a historic result. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured overwhelming public support and emerged as the largest party with 125 seats under the first past-the-post system. The Nepali Congress won 18 seats, CPN-UML 9, the Nepal Communist Party 8, the Labor Culture Party 3, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party 1, while one independent candidate was elected.

RSP’s landslide victory reflects deep public dissatisfaction with the old political order and a growing demand for a new political alternative. The election appears to have institutionalized the sentiments expressed during the youth-led ‘Gen Z movement’ witnessed on Bhadra 23–24.

Traditional political forces particularly the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and several Madhes-based parties seem to have failed to grasp the message of the public in time: that people themselves are the ultimate sovereign. Their inability to fully recognize the energy and frustration behind the Gen Z movement has clearly been reflected in the election outcome. Madhes-centric parties that long relied on regional identity politics have also struggled in this election, suggesting that voters may be moving beyond the long-standing Madhes–hill political narrative.

The scale of this electoral verdict recalls the historic parliamentary election of 2015 BS, when the Nepali Congress secured a two-thirds majority. Despite Nepal now operating under a mixed electoral system that includes proportional representation—where clear majorities are typically rare—voters have delivered an unusually decisive mandate.

Voter turnout, however, remained relatively low, with only about 58 percent of eligible voters participating less than in previous elections. Several factors may explain this decline. Many young voters now live abroad, while Nepal still lacks an effective voting system through embassies or diplomatic missions for overseas citizens. Internal party factionalism, declining trust in political leadership, frequent changes of government, and repeated unfulfilled promises have deepened public frustration. Geographical difficulties in remote areas and a growing perception that voting does not bring meaningful change have also likely discouraged participation.

Over the past two decades particularly since the Twelve-Point Agreement, important questions have emerged regarding Nepal’s political trajectory. Many observers feel that foreign influence in Nepal’s internal politics has increased, while the country’s foreign policy balance has weakened and public trust in political leadership has steadily declined. Nepal faces growing challenges in maintaining its sovereign, independent, and balanced position in diplomacy, security, and domestic governance. Major political parties such as the Nepali Congress, UML, and Maoists have often been criticized for failing to demonstrate adequate firmness on issues related to national sovereignty.

Debates continue over the abolition of the monarchy through parliamentary processes without a direct public mandate, raising broader questions about political legitimacy and public trust. Nepal would benefit from an open and responsible national dialogue on constitutional provisions and governance structures. Timely reforms to strengthen governance, ensure political stability, address geopolitical pressures, and build accountable state institutions have become increasingly urgent.

Nepal’s geopolitical environment is also evolving rapidly. India’s Agnipath military recruitment scheme, the United States’ Indo-Pacific Strategy and the State Partnership Program (SPP), along with growing concerns regarding China, could potentially draw Nepal into new geopolitical tensions. Navigating these dynamics will require a careful and balanced diplomatic approach. Without clear national consensus and well-defined diplomatic ‘red lines,’ implementing domestic reform and development agendas could become more difficult.

The election held on Falgun 21 has created widespread optimism across the country, largely because it opens the possibility of a stable government with nearly a two-thirds majority for the next five years. Leadership responsibility now falls largely on the shoulders of RSP figures Balen Shah and Rabi Lamichhane, with the party already presenting Balen Shah as its candidate for prime minister.

Balen Shah has demonstrated a strong willingness to work. However, effective leadership requires not only determination but also sound advice, institutional cooperation, and balanced decision-making. The trust given by the people must now be translated into practical policies, credible reforms, and a clear commitment to national interests.

The new RSP-led government faces significant challenges, including foreign relations, citizenship, corruption, and governance reform. Public expectations are high for responsible, transparent, and results-driven leadership. Strengthening democracy will require political dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation on shared national priorities.

Several long-standing structural challenges demand urgent attention. Reforming the bureaucratic system, strengthening institutions to combat corruption, dismantling partisan syndicates within public services, improving the education and health sectors, and revitalizing the sluggish economy must all become policy priorities. The reform commitments outlined in RSP’s manifesto should be implemented systematically and according to clear priorities.

Good governance must remain the cornerstone of the new administration. Without credible action against corruption, meaningful transparency, stronger rule of law, and genuine accountability, public trust cannot be restored. The government must simplify public service delivery, pursue administrative reforms, and ensure that state institutions function responsibly and efficiently.

Equally important is the need for a clear national strategy focused on the future of Nepal’s youth. Policies that promote job creation, entrepreneurship, skill development, and innovation could help restore hope among young citizens. Only when young people begin to see real opportunities at home will the trend of large-scale migration begin to slow. Nepal’s development also requires harnessing the knowledge, skills, creativity, and capital of both its youth and its global diaspora.

Revitalizing the economy must be a key priority. Political instability, policy uncertainty, and weak investment conditions have slowed economic activity and discouraged the private sector. A stable government with clear policies and effective implementation can help restore economic momentum and investor confidence.

Political parties must also strengthen their own internal democratic practices. Transparent decision-making, leadership development, and a culture of healthy political competition based on ideas and policies are essential for sustaining democracy in the long term.

At the same time, balanced national development must remain a priority. Investment in roads, health care, education, communication infrastructure, and agriculture in remote and rural regions will be critical to ensuring that the benefits of democracy reach all communities.

The true strength of democracy comes from the people’s collective wisdom, cooperation among institutions, and ethical conduct in public life. When leaders and citizens alike uphold the principle that sovereignty rests with the people, democracy becomes stronger, more accountable, and sustainable.

This election sends a clear message: Nepali citizens demand change, accountability, and effective governance. RSP’s decisive victory is a responsibility, not a privilege. The party must seize this opportunity to transform the country. By governing with transparency, accountability, and tangible results, the new government can restore public trust and strengthen Nepal’s democracy, making it more stable and resilient.