Nepal polls: RSP wave unseats 2 ex-PMs

In Nepal's recent general elections held on March 5, the Rashtriya Swatantrata Party (RSP) emerged as a formidable force, winning around 120 out of 156 declared seats, marking a significant shift in the country's political landscape. Among the notable casualties of this electoral upheaval were two former prime ministers: K P Oli of the CPN-UML and Madhav Nepal, both of whom faced defeat at the hands of RSP candidates. The RSP's prime ministerial candidate, Balendra Shah 'Balen', claimed a stunning victory over Oli in Jhapa-5, securing 68,348 votes compared to Oli's 18,734. This election was prompted by widespread protests against Oli's government, particularly from the youth-led Gen Z movement, which criticized his administration for corruption and social media restrictions. Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda', the only former PM to win, succeeded in Rukum East despite significant changes, including a recent party rebranding to Nepali Communist Party (NCP) following a merger of smaller factions. The RSP's success not only unseated established political figures but also indicated a broader discontent with traditional parties like the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, as they faced multiple defeats across their strongholds. The election results reflect a growing demand for new leadership and reform in Nepal's political framework.