Key moments
Balen Shah has been sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister on March 27, 2026, making history as the youngest leader at just 35 years old. His ascension follows a decisive victory for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which captured 125 of the 165 first-past-the-post seats in parliament.
This political shift comes on the heels of a Gen Z-led uprising that ousted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The protests, which began in 2025, were sparked by a controversial social media ban and widespread concerns over corruption. Shah’s rise is viewed as a direct response to the demands of a younger electorate seeking change.
Shah previously served as the mayor of Kathmandu, and his leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to governance. The RSP, formed only four years prior to his election, has quickly established itself as a formidable force in Nepali politics. With a two-thirds majority, Shah’s government is poised to implement significant reforms, particularly in anti-corruption measures.
The Karki Commission has been instituted to investigate the violence and property damage during the Gen Z movement, reflecting Shah’s commitment to accountability. His administration aims to prioritize transparency and address the wealth of senior officials, a move that has been welcomed by many.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shah following his election, signaling a potential strengthening of ties between the two nations. However, the relationship between Shah and Rabi Lamichhane, the party chairman, will be closely scrutinized as they navigate their shared power dynamics.
Political analysts are optimistic about Shah’s mandate, with Bishnu Sapkota stating, “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.” Meanwhile, Shishir Khanal expressed surprise at the overwhelming support, saying, “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 streets may play a significant role in opposition, as noted by Yujan Rajbhandari: “With the RSP’s large majority, parliamentary opposition will be weak. So the streets will play a major role as opposition.” The next 100 days will be critical for Shah’s administration as it seeks to fulfill voter expectations and address governance challenges head-on.
