Nepal is currently at a turning point in its political journey, marked by growing public demand for transparency, accountability, and effective governance. This article explores the country’s evolving political landscape, including the rise of alternative political forces, the impact of recent elections 2026 of Nepal, and the challenges of institutional reform. It highlights key issues such as corruption, unemployment, governance instability, and the need for strong democratic institutions.
Background
Nepal’s political journey over the past few decades has been marked by instability, power struggles, and institutional weaknesses. Continuous conflicts among political parties, frequent dissolution of parliament, self-serving coalition formations, and repeated changes in government have not only weakened the state mechanism but also institutionalized corruption, irregularities, nepotism, and favoritism. As transparency, accountability, and the rule of law have declined in key state institutions, public trust in the state has gradually eroded.
Following the historic People’s Movement of 2006 (2062/63 B.S.), Nepal entered the era of a federal democratic republic, and as an achievement of that movement, a new constitution was promulgated in 2015 (2072 B.S.). The constitution guaranteed fundamental rights, equality, social justice, and inclusive governance. With this transformation, the people of Nepal expected good governance, economic prosperity, social justice, and protection of human rights. There was hope that strong political forces would control corruption, improve service delivery, and restructure the state for national development. However, due to political instability, intra-party conflicts, leadership crises, and power-centric politics, these expectations could not be realized in practice.
When the UML and Maoists merged into a single party, the country had a clear communist majority. However, due to personal interests, inefficiency, and arrogance of leaders, even a two-thirds majority government could not last long. Despite the constitution not envisioning mid-term elections, such elections were announced. The announcement by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was later halted by the court. At a time when the country was already struggling economically due to the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of mid-term elections was not acceptable to the public. Despite having the authority to implement policies and laws, the government failed to deliver. Instead, political fragmentation, shifting alliances, and instability continued.
Misuse of public resources, administrative delays, and political interference have prevented citizens from accessing basic services easily, directly affecting human rights. Unemployment has worsened, forcing many youths to seek foreign employment, leading to family disintegration, social imbalance, and long-term dependency on foreign labor markets.
The federal structure, envisioned to promote development and access to justice, has instead become a breeding ground for corruption. Frequent changes in provincial governments, aligned with central politics, have hindered progress and increased irregularities. The tendency of ministers to exploit short tenures for personal gain has tarnished the purpose of federalism.
Rise of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)
In this context of political dissatisfaction, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by Rabi Lamichhane, emerged in 2022 (2079 B.S.) as an alternative political force. Promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability, the party gained momentum. The unexpected victory of independent candidate Balen Shah in Kathmandu Metropolitan City during local elections further demonstrated growing public trust in alternative leadership. Widespread dissatisfaction, especially toward the judiciary, administration, and political leadership, highlighted the need for a new political force.
Gen Z Movement and General Election
The Gen Z movement on September 8 and 9, 2025 (Bhadra 23–24, 2082 B.S.), strongly expressed youth dissatisfaction and desire for change. It emphasized transparency, accountability, and equal opportunities. Balen Shah’s entry into Rastri Swatantra Party (RSP) and his projection as a future prime minister gave the party further legitimacy and energy, positioning it as a symbol of change.
In the general election held on 5 March 2026 (Falgun 21, 2082 B.S.), voters expressed deep frustration with traditional parties and granted RSP nearly a two-thirds majority. This result represented not just an electoral victory but a clear mandate for change. After the completion of electoral processes, a 15-member cabinet was formed on 27 March 2026 (Chaitra 13, 2082 B.S.), under Balen Shah’s leadership. The cabinet, composed of young, educated, and energetic individuals, signalled a shift toward results-oriented and innovative governance.
Strengths of RSP
RSP’s strengths include youth leadership, innovative thinking, commitment to transparency, and a strong stance against corruption. Cabinet members come from diverse professional backgrounds, increasing the potential for policy reforms. There is strong hope for progress in legal reform, administrative restructuring, and digital governance.
A clear mandate ensures stability and decision-making capacity. The use of digital technology can make service delivery more transparent and efficient. The government has the opportunity to reconnect youth with the state and involve them in policymaking. It also has a historic opportunity to reform public institutions, eliminate nepotism, and strengthen the rule of law.
Potential Challenges
Despite many opportunities, the RSP government faces serious challenges. Most leaders lack governance experience. Maintaining coordination among members with diverse views and expectations could be difficult. Internal conflicts and divisions cannot be ruled out.
High public expectations, especially those expressed during the Gen Z movement, must be addressed promptly. Failure to do so may lead to renewed dissatisfaction and potential conflict. Other challenges include economic recovery, job creation, reducing foreign migration, and eliminating corruption in the judiciary. Without judicial reform, the rule of law cannot be strengthened.
Institutionalizing the new party, ensuring inclusivity, maintaining national unity, and balancing foreign policy are also critical challenges.
Key Tasks for the New Government
To fulfil its mandate within five years, the government must prioritize strict anti-corruption measures, expansion of digital governance, judicial reform, job creation, and improvements in education and healthcare. It should promote entrepreneurship among youth and adopt long-term strategies to reduce foreign migration.
Strengthening federal structures and ensuring transparency and accountability at provincial and local levels are equally important.
Conclusion
The RSP government represents a critical turning point in Nepal’s political history. It carries the responsibility of institutionalizing public aspirations for change, ending political conflicts, strengthening the judiciary, and building a capable and service-oriented bureaucracy.
However, if this opportunity is wasted through internal conflicts, factionalism, or self-interest—as seen in traditional parties—the future of RSP may become uncertain.
In a democratic system, not only the government but also citizens are responsible for change. The RSP government must institutionalize transparency and accountability by strengthening citizen participation, public monitoring, and social responsibility mechanisms. This will not only build trust but also lay the foundation for long-term good governance.
Therefore, respecting public trust, practicing selfless politics, strengthening diplomatic relations, eliminating corruption, and establishing good governance and the rule of law should be the government’s primary direction. Best wishes.