Nepal’s early vote count puts ex-rapper’s party ahead

Nepal’s early vote count puts ex-rapper’s party ahead

Political momentum shifted toward Balendra Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party in Nepal’s general election, as early results indicated a significant edge over his competitors. The 35-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu, who transitioned from music to politics, has emerged as a dominant figure in the race to lead the nation. His campaign resonated deeply with young voters, leveraging social media and grassroots engagement to drive support.

With 165 seats counted via direct voting, Shah’s centrist party secured 37 seats, outperforming other factions. The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist – UML), led by former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, held three seats, while the Nepali Congress, under 49-year-old Gagan Thapa, claimed five. Election officials projected final outcomes by late Friday or early Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.

Protest-driven upheaval

Nepal, a nation of 30 million people nestled between China and India, has endured political turmoil for decades. Structural challenges like corruption, unemployment, and a faltering agrarian economy have long contributed to instability. Last September, this discontent exploded into mass demonstrations sparked by a social media ban, culminating in violent clashes and deaths that compelled Oli’s resignation.

“The long-festering malaise erupted into street demonstrations last September, triggered by a social media ban, that brought thousands onto the streets, leading to clashes and fatalities that forced the resignation of Oli.”

The remaining 110 seats, allocated through proportional representation, will determine the final tally. Shah’s ability to connect with youth on both digital platforms and local communities has positioned him as a formidable contender, even as he challenged Oli in the Jhapa 5 constituency near the Indian border. This dynamic underscores a broader shift in Nepal’s political narrative, where fresh voices are reshaping the nation’s future.