The recent general elections in Nepal held on March 5 witnessed a dramatic turn in political fortunes as Balendra Shah's Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerged as a major force. Out of three former Prime Ministers contesting, only Pushpakamal Dahal Prachanda succeeded in securing a seat, while all other veteran leaders faced defeat. The RSP made a strong showing, winning 120 out of the 156 declared seats by 5:30 PM last evening, propelling them towards a two-thirds majority in the newly formed government.

In a notable upset, 35-year-old Balendra Shah, the prime ministerial candidate for the RSP, defeated the four-time Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in the Jhapa-5 constituency. This area has historically been a stronghold for Oli, who has remained undefeated for years. Shah's victory, with a striking 68,348 votes against Oli's 18,734, can be viewed as a David vs. Goliath tale, highlighting the shifting political landscape in Nepal. It preceded Oli's resignation from the Prime Minister's office on September 9, following the 'GEN-Z' movement protesting against corruption and social media restrictions.

The backdrop of this election illustrates a discontent among the electorate towards established political figures, with the youth leading the charge for change. The success of the RSP and its fresh candidates represents a significant political shift and raises questions about the future prospects for Nepal's established political players. This election signals a possible endorsement of new political ideologies, particularly among younger voters seeking reform and accountability from their leaders.