"RSP"

#13220197

20 January 2026

Cadres of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which presents former Kathmandu Mayor Balen as the Prime Ministerial Candidate, hold a rally in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 20, 2026, for the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives election. The Election Commission establishes offices in all 165 constituencies across Nepal as the Himalayan nation marches towards the March 5 election to elect new members for its House of Representatives. Earlier, the Commission publishes the final list of candidates under the proportional representation system. Of the total 275 members of the House of Representatives, 110 are elected through the proportional system, while 165 are elected through the direct electoral system. An interim government formed for election purposes following the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9 arranges the necessary resources for the polls. The process of selecting police personnel for election security has already begun.

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#13220179

20 January 2026

Sasmit Pokharel, a candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which presents former Kathmandu Mayor Balen as the Prime Ministerial Candidate, poses for a photo after filing candidature in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 20, 2026, for the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives election. The Election Commission establishes offices in all the 165 constituencies across Nepal as the Himalayan Nation marches towards the March 5 election to elect new members for its House of Representatives. Earlier, the Commission publishes the final list of candidates under the proportional representation system. Of the total 275 members of the House of Representatives, 110 are elected through the proportional system, while 165 are elected through the direct electoral system. An interim government formed for election purposes following the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9 arranges the necessary resources for the polls. The process of selecting police personnel for election security has already begun.

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#13220196

20 January 2026

Sasmit Pokharel (center), a candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which presents former Kathmandu Mayor Balen as the Prime Ministerial candidate, rallies as he heads to file his candidature in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 20, 2026, for the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives election. The Election Commission establishes offices in all 165 constituencies across Nepal as the Himalayan nation marches towards the March 5 election to elect new members for its House of Representatives. Earlier, the Commission publishes the final list of candidates under the proportional representation system. Of the total 275 members of the House of Representatives, 110 are elected through the proportional system, while 165 are elected through the direct electoral system. An interim government formed for election purposes following the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9 arranges the necessary resources for the polls. The process of selecting police personnel for election security has already begun.

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#13220200

20 January 2026

Sasmit Pokharel (center), a candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which presents former Kathmandu Mayor Balen as the Prime Ministerial candidate, rallies as he heads to file his candidature in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 20, 2026, for the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives election. The Election Commission establishes offices in all 165 constituencies across Nepal as the Himalayan nation marches towards the March 5 election to elect new members for its House of Representatives. Earlier, the Commission publishes the final list of candidates under the proportional representation system. Of the total 275 members of the House of Representatives, 110 are elected through the proportional system, while 165 are elected through the direct electoral system. An interim government formed for election purposes following the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9 arranges the necessary resources for the polls. The process of selecting police personnel for election security has already begun.

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#13220217

20 January 2026

Sasmit Pokharel (center), a candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which presents former Kathmandu Mayor Balen as the Prime Ministerial Candidate, receives a confirmation certificate from an election officer after filing candidature in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 20, 2026, for the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives election. The Election Commission establishes offices in all the 165 constituencies across Nepal as the Himalayan nation marches towards the March 5 election to elect new members for its House of Representatives. Earlier, the Commission publishes the final list of candidates under the proportional representation system. Of the total 275 members of the House of Representatives, 110 are elected through the proportional system, while 165 are elected through the direct electoral system. An interim government formed for election purposes following the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9 arranges the necessary resources for the polls. The process of selecting police personnel for election security has already begun.

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#13220223

20 January 2026

Sasmit Pokharel (center), a candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which presents former Kathmandu Mayor Balen as the Prime Ministerial Candidate, speaks to the media after filing candidature in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 20, 2026, for the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives election. The Election Commission establishes offices in all 165 constituencies across Nepal as the Himalayan nation marches towards the March 5 election to elect new members for its House of Representatives. Earlier, the Commission publishes the final list of candidates under the proportional representation system. Of the total 275 members of the House of Representatives, 110 are elected through the proportional system, while 165 are elected through the direct electoral system. An interim government formed for election purposes following the Gen-Z protests on September 8 and 9 arranges the necessary resources for the polls. The process of selecting police personnel for election security has already begun.

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#13220225

20 January 2026

Sasmit Pokharel (center), a candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which presents former Kathmandu Mayor Balen as the Prime Ministerial Candidate, poses for a photo alongside supporters after filing candidature in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 20, 2026, for the upcoming March 5 House of Representatives election. The Election Commission establishes offices in all the 165 constituencies across Nepal as the Himalayan nation marches towards the March 5 election to elect new members for its House of Representatives. Earlier, the Commission publishes the final list of candidates under the proportional representation system. Of the total 275 members of the House of Representatives, 110 are elected through the proportional system, while 165 are elected through the direct electoral system. An interim government formed for election purposes following the Gen-Z protests in Nepal on September 8 and 9 arranges the necessary resources for the polls. The process of selecting police personnel for election security has already begun.

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#13213194

18 January 2026

Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, gestures after arriving at the party office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 18, 2026, formally joining the party to contest the March election. The rapper-turned-mayor is presented as the next Prime Minister by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The former rapper, who wins the local election of 2022 from the Nepali capital, also assumes the charge of senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). On December 28, Balen strikes a deal with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) where it is agreed that he will be the next Prime Ministerial candidate from the party. As per the 7-point agreement, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane continues as the party's central chairman, while Shah is presented as the party's parliamentary leader after the elections and its prime ministerial candidate. The RSP emerges as the fourth largest political force, winning 21 seats in the dissolved House of Representatives within a year of its establishment. With candidacy filing scheduled for January 20, Shah prepares to contest from the Jhapa-5 constituency in the March 5 elections, with the declared aim of beating four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in his own constituency. Balen promises to institutionalize the agenda raised by September's Gen-Z movement. The electoral battle in Jhapa-5 shapes up to be an intriguing contest this time.

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#13213195

18 January 2026

Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, arrives at the party office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 18, 2026, formally joining the party to contest the March election. The rapper-turned-mayor is presented as the next Prime Minister by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The former rapper, who won the local election of 2022 from the Nepali capital, also assumes the role of senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). On December 28, Balen strikes a deal with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) where it is agreed that he will be the next Prime Ministerial candidate from the party. As per the 7-point agreement, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane continues as the party's central chairman, while Shah is presented as the party's parliamentary leader after the elections and its prime ministerial candidate. The RSP emerges as the fourth largest political force, winning 21 seats in the dissolved House of Representatives within a year of its establishment. With candidacy filing scheduled for January 20, Shah prepares to contest from the Jhapa-5 constituency in the March 5 elections, with the declared aim of beating four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in his own constituency. Balen promises to institutionalize the agenda raised by September's Gen-Z movement. The electoral battle in Jhapa-5 shapes up to be an intriguing contest this time.

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#13213290

18 January 2026

Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, rings a traditional bell after arriving at the party office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 18, 2026, formally joining the party to contest the March election. The rapper turned mayor is presented as the next Prime Minister by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The former rapper, who wins the local election of 2022 from the Nepali capital, also assumes the charge of senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). On December 28, Balen strikes a deal with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) where it is agreed that he will be the next Prime Ministerial candidate from the party. As per the 7-point agreement, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane continues as the party's central chairman, while Shah is presented as the party's parliamentary leader after the elections and its prime ministerial candidate. The RSP emerges as the fourth largest political force, winning 21 seats in the dissolved House of Representatives within a year of its establishment. With candidacy filing scheduled for January 20, Shah prepares to contest from the Jhapa-5 constituency in the March 5 elections, with the declared aim of beating four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in his own constituency. Balen promises to institutionalize the agenda raised by September's Gen-Z movement. The electoral battle in Jhapa-5 shapes up to be an intriguing contest this time.

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#13175513

10 January 2026

Former Energy Minister Kulman Ghising (Center) holds a press briefing in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 10, 2026, after being appointed as the chairman of the Ujyalo Nepal Party. The decision is made during the party's central committee meeting. Ghising, who previously serves as the party's patron, announces a merger with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) two weeks ago. However, the agreement falls apart, paving the way for his formal leadership of Ujyalo Nepal. Ghising earlier resigns from three ministries - Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation - amid criticism of his party representation in the government led by Sushila Karki. On December 29, 2025, Ghising and Lamichhane reach an agreement to unite their parties, which includes making Ghising the vice-chairman of RSP. However, Ghising demands changes to RSP's ideology, calling for a shift from a democratic to a leftist framework, and requests 33 central committee members, a senior vice-chairman, and one general secretary position. He also proposes adopting socialism as the party's guiding ideology.

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#13175514

10 January 2026

Former Energy Minister Kulman Ghising (Center) holds a press briefing in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 10, 2026, after being appointed as the chairman of the Ujyalo Nepal Party. The decision is made during the party's central committee meeting. Ghising, who previously serves as the party's patron, announces a merger with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) two weeks ago. However, the agreement falls apart, paving the way for his formal leadership of Ujyalo Nepal. Ghising earlier resigns from three ministries - Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation - amid criticism of his party representation in the government led by Sushila Karki. On December 29, 2025, Ghising and Lamichhane reach an agreement to unite their parties, which includes making Ghising the vice-chairman of RSP. However, Ghising demands changes to RSP's ideology, calling for a shift from a democratic to a leftist framework, and requests 33 central committee members, a senior vice-chairman, and one general secretary position. He also proposes adopting socialism as the party's guiding ideology.

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#13175515

10 January 2026

Former Energy Minister Kulman Ghising (Center) holds a press briefing in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 10, 2026, after being appointed as the chairman of the Ujyalo Nepal Party. The decision is made during the party's central committee meeting. Ghising, who previously serves as the party's patron, announces a merger with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) two weeks ago. However, the agreement falls apart, paving the way for his formal leadership of Ujyalo Nepal. Ghising earlier resigns from three ministries - Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation - amid criticism of his party representation in the government led by Sushila Karki. On December 29, 2025, Ghising and Lamichhane reach an agreement to unite their parties, which includes making Ghising the vice-chairman of RSP. However, Ghising demands changes to RSP's ideology, calling for a shift from a democratic to a leftist framework, and requests 33 central committee members, a senior vice-chairman, and one general secretary position. He also proposes adopting socialism as the party's guiding ideology.

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#13175516

10 January 2026

Former Energy Minister Kulman Ghising (Center) holds a press briefing in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 10, 2026, after being appointed as the chairman of the Ujyalo Nepal Party. The decision is made during the party's central committee meeting. Ghising, who previously serves as the party's patron, announces a merger with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) two weeks ago. However, the agreement falls apart, paving the way for his formal leadership of Ujyalo Nepal. Ghising earlier resigns from three ministries - Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation - amid criticism of his party representation in the government led by Sushila Karki. On December 29, 2025, Ghising and Lamichhane reach an agreement to unite their parties, which includes making Ghising the vice-chairman of RSP. However, Ghising demands changes to RSP's ideology, calling for a shift from a democratic to a leftist framework, and requests 33 central committee members, a senior vice-chairman, and one general secretary position. He also proposes adopting socialism as the party's guiding ideology.

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#13175517

10 January 2026

Media personnel attend the press briefing by Former Energy Minister Kulman Ghising in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 10, 2026, after he is appointed as the chairman of the Ujyalo Nepal Party. The decision is made during the party's central committee meeting. Ghising, who previously serves as the party's patron, announces a merger with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) two weeks ago. However, the agreement falls apart, paving the way for his formal leadership of Ujyalo Nepal. Ghising earlier resigns from three ministries - Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation - amid criticism of his party representation in the government led by Sushila Karki. On December 29, 2025, Ghising and Lamichhane reach an agreement to unite their parties, which includes making Ghising the vice-chairman of RSP. However, Ghising demands changes to RSP's ideology, calling for a shift from a democratic to a leftist framework, and requests 33 central committee members, a senior vice-chairman, and one general secretary position. He also proposes adopting socialism as the party's guiding ideology.

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#13175518

10 January 2026

Media personnel attend the press briefing by Former Energy Minister Kulman Ghising in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 10, 2026, after he is appointed as the chairman of the Ujyalo Nepal Party. The decision is made during the party's central committee meeting. Ghising, who previously serves as the party's patron, announces a merger with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) two weeks ago. However, the agreement falls apart, paving the way for his formal leadership of Ujyalo Nepal. Ghising earlier resigns from three ministries - Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation - amid criticism of his party representation in the government led by Sushila Karki. On December 29, 2025, Ghising and Lamichhane reach an agreement to unite their parties, which includes making Ghising the vice-chairman of RSP. However, Ghising demands changes to RSP's ideology, calling for a shift from a democratic to a leftist framework, and requests 33 central committee members, a senior vice-chairman, and one general secretary position. He also proposes adopting socialism as the party's guiding ideology.

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