- Nepal's first nationwide election since a Gen Z-led anti-government protest toppled the previous administration is seeing a new centrist party lead.
- The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), founded three years ago and led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, is currently leading in over 100 of the 165 directly elected seats.
- Balendra Shah, the 35-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu, has emerged as a Gen Z favourite for prime minister, capitalising on public anger against traditional political parties.
- The election follows widespread public discontent over corruption, nepotism, and political impunity that led to the resignation of former prime minister Khadga Prasad Oli's government.
- Nearly 60 per cent of Nepal's almost 19 million registered voters participated, with the RSP campaigning on improving healthcare and education for poorer Nepalis.
IN FULL
