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Nepal's RSP Falls Short of Super Majority, Coalition Talks Loom

The vote count for Nepal's House of Representatives is complete, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerging as the clear leader in the proportional representation vote. However, the party is projected to fall two seats short of the 184 needed for a two-thirds majority in parliament. The final seat allocation and government formation hinge on a pending Supreme Court case and the decision of an independent MP. Official results are still being finalized by the Election Commission.

Key Points: Nepal Election Results: RSP Short of Two-Thirds Majority

  • RSP leads with 47.8% PR votes
  • Needs 184 seats for two-thirds majority
  • Nepali Congress is second-largest party
  • Court case on March 13 could alter result
  • Independent MP Mahabir Pun may decide balance
3 min read

Nepal vote count complete: Balen Shah linked RSP falls two seats short of 2/3rd majority

RSP leads Nepal's election but is two seats short of a two-thirds majority. Final results pending as court case could change outcome.

"The count is complete. But final results are yet to be published since data entry is still taking place, - Kul Bahadur GC, EC Assistant Spokesperson"

Kathmandu, March 11

The vote counting for the March 5 election in Nepal's House of Representatives has concluded late Wednesday, with Nepal's Election Commission making final preparations for the official announcement of results.

"The count is complete. But final results are yet to be published since data entry is still taking place," EC assistant spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC confirmed to ANI over the phone. The vote-counting process took a week to complete, he added.

On Wednesday afternoon, the proportional representation (PR) votes for the House of Representatives were fully counted.

According to the EC's data entry system, a total of 10,789,078 PR votes were counted nationwide.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by Rabi Lamichhane, received the highest number of votes under the PR system with 5,158,810 votes (47.82 per cent), maintaining a clear lead. At this stage, RSP is two seats short of a two-thirds majority. Having won 125 seats in the direct elections, the party is expected to secure 57 PR seats, although the final allocation may vary slightly once the commission completes the official seat distribution.

The Nepali Congress secured 1,756,043 votes (16.28 per cent). With 18 direct seats, the party is projected to win an additional 20 PR seats, bringing its total to 38 seats, making it the second-largest party in the House.

The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) [CPN-UML] obtained 1,452,939 votes (13.47 per cent). With 9 direct seats, it will gain 16 PR seats, totalling 25 seats, making it the third-largest party.

The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' received 809,641 votes (7.5 per cent). With 7 direct seats, it is expected to gain 9 PR seats, bringing its total to 16 seats.

The Shram Sanskriti Party, which became a national party in its first election, secured 385,748 votes (3.58 per cent). With 3 direct seats and 4 PR seats, it will have a total of 7 seats, making it the fifth-largest party.

Similarly, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) cleared the 3 per cent threshold with 330,281 votes (3.06 per cent), winning 1 direct seat and 3 PR seats, totalling 4 seats. In the previous election, RPP held 14 seats, but it is now limited to 5. Its chairman, Rajendra Lingden, lost in Jhapa-3.

According to the estimated tally, the RSP, affiliated with former rapper and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, is expected to win 182 seats, while Nepali Congress is projected at 38 seats, CPN (UML) 25 seats, and NCP 16 seats. The Shram Sanskriti Party is expected to get 7 seats, RPP 5 seats, and Independents 1 seat.

A total of 138 seats is required to form a government, while 184 seats are needed for a two-thirds majority. Currently, the RSP is two seats short of this mark. If Mahabir Pun, who won in Myagdi, joins, RSP would reach 183 seats, but he has stated that he will remain independent.

In Dhanusha-1, the RSP candidate Kishori Sah Kamal's candidacy was cancelled, although over 23,000 votes were cast for her. Following the cancellation, the EC issued the certificate to NCP candidate Matrika Yadav. The Supreme Court is scheduled to review the case on March 13. If the court overturns the cancellation, the RSP could achieve a two-thirds majority.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The fact that they are just two seats short of a 2/3rd majority is so dramatic! It all hinges on that court case on March 13 and the independent MP. Feels like a Bollywood plot. Wishing the best for Nepal's democracy.
D
David E
As an observer, the clear mandate for RSP is significant. However, a single party coming so close to a super-majority always requires strong checks and balances. The role of the opposition (Nepali Congress, UML) will be crucial for a healthy democracy.
S
Shreya B
The rise of new parties like Shram Sanskriti Party is good to see. Breaking the old NC-UML dominance. Hope this leads to more development-focused politics. India-Nepal relations are vital, and a stable government in Kathmandu is in everyone's interest.
R
Rohit P
Balen Shah's connection gives this a unique angle. From Kathmandu's mayor to potentially backing the ruling party at the centre. His urban development work got him popularity. Sometimes local success stories translate nationally. Jai Nepal!
M
Meera T
A respectful note of caution: Such a overwhelming majority for one party, while a clear mandate, needs to be exercised with great responsibility towards all communities in Nepal. The diversity of the Terai, hills, and mountains must be respected. Wishing them wisdom.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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