The Congressional Research Service of the US Congress has released a report on Nepal’s new political leadership and power dynamics. The report characterizes the alliance between Balen and RASWPA as a ‘marriage of convenience,’ meaning an alliance driven by circumstance rather than deep ideological unity. It also covers the violent protests of September 2025, Oli’s resignation, and RASWPA’s electoral success. Kathmandu, April 14.
The US Congressional Research Service published a document titled ‘Nepal’s Parliamentary Election’ on March 31, 2026, examining the emergence of new political leadership and shifting power equations in Nepal, moving away from established old forces. The report describes the alliance between former independent Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RASWPA) as less about ideological cohesion and more of a ‘marriage of convenience’—a strategic alliance formed due to prevailing circumstances.
The report provides an in-depth analysis of Nepal’s recent internal political turmoil, the Genji uprising, geopolitical challenges, and the new power configuration born from these events. It portrays RASWPA as a relatively new and centrist political party. The document notes that frequent changes in alliances among political leaders have undermined political stability in the country.
Quoting analysts, the report describes Balen Shah’s electoral coalition with RASWPA, despite his independent mayoral background, as a strategic and self-interested alliance—a ‘marriage of convenience.’ It underscores Balen’s mixed track record as mayor and a lack of clarity in administrative planning. Regarding potential challenges facing the new government, the report warns, ‘The new RASWPA-led government will likely have to confront potential tensions between Balen Shah and RASWPA leadership as a primary challenge moving forward.’
