Key moments
Balen Shah has been sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister on March 27, 2026, making history as the youngest individual to hold the office at just 35 years old. His ascent follows a decisive victory by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured 125 of the 165 first-past-the-post seats in parliament, a remarkable achievement for a party formed only four years ago.
The political landscape in Nepal has dramatically shifted following the Gen Z-led uprising that ousted former prime minister KP Sharma Oli. This movement, which began in 2025, was sparked by widespread protests against a social media ban and rampant corruption. The Karki Commission has been established to investigate the violence and property damage that occurred during these protests, highlighting the urgent need for accountability.
Shah’s election is seen as a response to the public’s demand for change, with his government promising to prioritize anticorruption measures. This includes investigations into the wealth of senior officials, a move that has garnered significant public support. The RSP’s strong mandate gives Shah a unique opportunity to execute his agenda effectively, as noted by political analyst Bishnu Sapkota, who stated, “There is so much excitement with the heavy mandate. This is a historical and unprecedented opportunity for him to execute his agenda because his party is likely to have close to a two-thirds majority.”
Despite the optimism surrounding Shah’s leadership, challenges remain. The relationship between Shah and Rabi Lamichhane, the party chairman, will be closely scrutinized as they navigate the complexities of shared power. Political commentator Gehendra Lal Malla remarked, “Balen needed a party to contest the election, and Rabi needed Balen’s popularity,” emphasizing the interdependence of their leadership roles.
Shah’s government is expected to face significant governance challenges in the coming months, particularly as it responds to the high expectations of voters. The first 100 days of his administration will be critical, as he seeks to establish a stable and effective government. Shishir Khanal, another political analyst, expressed surprise at the election results, stating, “We were expecting just over a 50 percent majority, but a two-thirds mandate was beyond our expectations.”
As Shah embarks on this new chapter, the parliamentary opposition is anticipated to be weak due to the RSP’s large majority. Political strategist Yujan Rajbhandari noted, “With the RSP’s large majority, parliamentary opposition will be weak. So the streets will play a major role as opposition,” indicating that public sentiment will continue to influence political dynamics.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already congratulated Shah on his election, signaling potential international interest in the new administration. As the world watches, the effectiveness of Shah’s leadership and the RSP’s governance will be pivotal in shaping Nepal’s future.
