Nepal Election Update: Rise of New Political Forces and Key Victories

KalimNews, March 7, 2026, Kathmandu: According to the latest data released by the Election Commission, results from 144 out of the total 165 constituencies have been made available so far. Among these, 31 candidates have already been declared elected, while vote counting continues in several constituencies across the country. Early trends indicate a dramatic shift in Nepal’s political landscape, with the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerging as a major force in the election.

The Rashtriya Swatantra Party has so far won 23 seats and is currently leading in 95 other constituencies, according to local media reports. This impressive performance reflects growing public support for the party and signals a possible transformation in Nepal’s political dynamics.

In one of the most closely watched contests, Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen and until recently the Mayor of Kathmandu, is leading in the Jhapa-5 constituency. He is contesting against four-time Prime Minister and chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), K P Sharma Oli, in what has long been considered Oli’s political stronghold.

Balendra Shah has secured 34,863 votes, while Oli has received 9,068 votes so far where the counting is continuing. 

Key Victories for RSP Leaders

Several candidates from the Rashtriya Swatantra Party have already secured decisive victories:

• Rabi Lamichhane, the party president, won from Chitwan-2 with 54,402 votes.

• Rubina Acharya emerged victorious in Morang-6, securing 55,513 votes.

• Manish Jha won from Dhanusha-3 with 43,142 votes.

• Santosh Rajbanshi secured victory in Morang-4 with 40,833 votes.

• Bina Gurung won from Kaski-3, receiving 37,750 votes.

Performance of Other Major Parties

The Nepali Congress has so far won 5 seats and is leading in 9 others, while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) has secured 1 seat and is currently leading in 12 constituencies.

The Nepal Communist Party has won 2 seats and is leading in 9 constituencies. The two winning candidates are:

• Pushpa Kamal Dahal from Rukum East-1, who received 10,240 votes.

• Mahendra Bahadur Shahi from Kalikot-1, who secured 11,338 votes.

Regional and Independent Performances

The Shram Sanskriti Party is currently leading in three constituencies. In Sunsari-1, Harka Raj Rai, popularly known as Harka Sampang, has secured 6,279 votes so far. Vote counting in the constituency is still underway, and he is leading his closest rival by 946 votes.

Meanwhile, independent candidate Mahabir Pun has won from Myagdi-1, securing 22,850 votes, which is 14,931 votes more than his nearest rival.

As counting continues in the remaining constituencies, the final outcome is eagerly awaited. The early trends already indicate a changing political landscape in Nepal, with new political parties and independent candidates gaining significant ground alongside the traditional political forces.

These early results reflect an evolving political environment in Nepal, with new political parties and independent candidates gaining significant public support. As vote counting continues in the remaining constituencies, the final outcome may further reshape the country’s political balance.

The coming days will determine how these emerging forces influence Nepal’s governance and political direction.