Kathmandu Mayor Balendra “Balen” Shah has been named the prime ministerial candidate after joining forces with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) ahead of Nepal’s general election on March 5, 2026. Under a seven-point deal, Shah will lead the RSP’s parliamentary group and could become prime minister if the party wins a majority. RSP chief Rabi Lamichhane will continue as party leader.
The agreement allows Shah and his supporters to contest under the RSP’s election symbol — the bell — while keeping the party’s name, flag, and identity intact.
Political analysts see this alliance as a bid to unite emerging voices, especially the youth, who led protests in September 2025 against corruption, poor governance, and economic stagnation. These protests played a role in the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and the dissolution of parliament, paving the way for early elections.
Supporters say the alliance aims to address demands raised during the protests, including accountability, reforms, and better governance.
Shah first gained attention as an independent mayor in Kathmandu and has strong support among urban voters and young people. His entry into national politics challenges Nepal’s traditional parties, like the Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal (UML), which have ruled for decades.
The Shah-RSP alliance is now seen as a major factor in the upcoming election, where 275 members of the House of Representatives will be elected.
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