Rapper-politician Balendra Shah unseats Nepal’s ex-PM as he heads for victory
Rapper-Politician Balendra Shah Unseats Nepal’s Ex-PM as He Heads for Victory
On Saturday, the Nepal Election Commission announced that Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, has secured 68,348 votes in his parliamentary constituency, surpassing former Prime Minister KP Oli’s tally of 18,734. This victory marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, as Shah moves closer to becoming Nepal’s next prime minister.
Thursday’s general election, the first since violent youth-led protests toppled the government in September 2025, saw a clash between established political powers and a new wave of leaders appealing to younger voters. The protests, sparked by KP Oli’s decision to block social media platforms, highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with Nepal’s political system and the perception of class inequality among the youth.
Gen Z voters, a crucial demographic, included 800,000 first-time participants, signaling a potential turning point for the nation’s leadership. Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, has been a prominent figure in the Nepali hip hop scene for years. His song “Balidan,” which explores themes of sacrifice in the Nepali language, has amassed millions of YouTube views, building a strong grassroots following.
During the protests, Shah emerged as a vocal supporter of demonstrators, even labeling KP Oli a “terrorist” for allegedly betraying the country. Although he typically avoids media attention, he addressed the Financial Times during his campaign, declaring, “
the candidate for all of Nepal
,” a statement that resonated with voters seeking fresh leadership.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which Shah represents, has gained momentum in the election. Preliminary results suggest the party holds a majority in directly elected seats and leads in the proportional representation count. With these trends, the RSP may secure a decisive victory, challenging the long-standing dominance of communist parties in Nepal’s politics.
Shah’s campaign platform, released in February, promises to create 1.2 million jobs and curb forced migration, addressing concerns over unemployment and low wages that have driven many Nepalis to seek opportunities abroad. The party also aims to double the country’s per capita income from $1,447 to $3,000 within five years and boost the GDP to $100 billion. Additional pledges include expanding healthcare insurance coverage to provide essential safety nets for the population.
