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
Nepal’s Election Commission announced on Saturday that Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper, has narrowly defeated former Prime Minister Sharma KP Oli in his parliamentary constituency. Shah secured 68,348 votes, surpassing Oli’s tally of 18,734. This marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape, with the young artist now positioned to potentially lead Nepal as its next prime minister.
The recent general election, held just weeks after violent youth-led demonstrations in September 2025, saw a clash between traditional power structures and a new wave of politicians targeting Gen Z voters. These young activists, driven by demands for systemic change, had previously toppled the government through protests. Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) appears to be gaining momentum, with partial results indicating a majority in directly elected seats. The party’s performance in proportional representation also shows strong lead, according to the commission.
Shah, widely known as Balen, has emerged as a symbol of youthful energy. His involvement in the Nepali hip hop scene, including the song “Balidan” about sacrifice, has earned him a massive following. The track, available in Nepali, has garnered millions of YouTube views, highlighting his ability to connect with a younger audience. This cultural appeal has become a key asset in a race where political reform is a central theme.
The election follows a period of intense unrest sparked by Oli’s decision to ban social media platforms in September 2025. Protests, led by Gen Z, criticized Nepal’s political system and highlighted class disparities through the term “nepo babies” — a reference to children of politicians. The demonstrations resulted in 77 fatalities, with a BBC investigation revealing that the police chief ordered lethal force against thousands of unarmed protesters.
“I would be the candidate for all of Nepal,” Shah told the Financial Times during his campaign. This statement underscores his ambition to represent a broader demographic, challenging the long-standing dominance of established parties. His RSP manifesto, released in February, outlines ambitious goals, including the creation of 1.2 million jobs and a reduction in forced migration. The party also pledges to double the country’s GDP to $100 billion within five years and boost per capita income from $1,447 to $3,000.
For over two decades, Nepal’s governance has been shaped by coalitions led by three major parties, two of which are communist. This election tests whether the rising influence of Gen Z can translate into political power or if veteran leaders will retain control. With 800,000 first-time voters participating, the youth represent a pivotal bloc in the nation’s democratic evolution.
