KATHMANDU: Vote counting for the House of Representatives election is ongoing across the country following Thursday’s polling. Early results suggest that this election has been closely tied to youth energy and a desire for change, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerging strongly.
Preliminary trends indicate that RSP has established a solid lead in over 90 constituencies so far. The party is expected to extend its lead further, with a strong possibility of leading in 100 constituencies within the next few hours. Analysts say the early results point to a major political shift, signaling a challenge to older power structures, as RSP gains support from Gen-Z voters and the younger generation.
Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane is leading by a wide margin in Chitwan-2. Senior leader Balendra Shah is ahead in Jhapa-5, surpassing CPN-UML chairman KP Sharma Oli. Similarly, Swarnim Wagle is performing strongly in Tanahun-1.
In Kathmandu, RSP candidates are leading in most constituencies, with Ranju Darshana already declared victorious in Kathmandu-1. The party is also showing dominant early trends in Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Morang, and Jhapa.
Meanwhile, traditional parties have fared poorly in the initial phase. The Nepali Congress, while winning in Mustang, has managed to lead in only 10 constituencies and is fighting to maintain double-digit leads. CPN-UML is lagging further behind, currently leading in only eight constituencies.
The Nepali Communist Party has secured early leads in nine constituencies. Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is safely ahead in Rukum East, but co-chair Madhav Kumar Nepal is showing weak performance in Rautahat.
Overall, early trends indicate a significant shift in Nepal’s political landscape, with RSP emerging as the dominant force in this election.
Comment