In a significant win that is set to transform Nepal’s political landscape, former rapper now turned politician Balendra Shah is on track for a sweeping victory in the country’s first elections since protests led by youth activists ousted the previous government last autumn.
Initial results from Nepal’s election commission on Sunday revealed that Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, and his centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured 122 out of 165 directly elected parliamentary seats.
Nepalese voters nationwide overwhelmingly supported Balen, signaling a clear shift in favor of new leadership that resonates with the Gen Z demographic’s discontent with the established political class, widely blamed for government corruption and nepotism.
“We want him to spearhead a new revolution focusing on youth empowerment, fresh perspectives, and systemic reforms,” expressed 24-year-old voter Shubha Khadgi in Kathmandu.
Thursday’s election marked Nepal’s first polls since security forces clashed with protesters initially rallying against a social media ban in September, resulting in the death of 19 demonstrators and sparking widespread unrest against the ruling elite’s perceived corruption and economic mismanagement.
Bells, the symbol of the RSP, rang out jubilantly among supporters in Jhapa-5 constituency following the election commission’s confirmation of Balen’s victory over former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Balen, renowned for his critical rap lyrics targeting Nepal’s political establishment, secured a decisive win, edging out Oli by nearly 50,000 votes.
While Balen’s triumph appears imminent, official results are pending, with additional parliamentary seats allocated proportionally to parties, which take longer to tally and are not included in the initial count.
The RSP, a party Balen joined only in January, has swiftly gained prominence, with political analyst Bipin Adhikari noting its recent rise to public recognition due to its lack of historical political baggage.
For many, including injured protester Madan Karki, the election outcome represents a hopeful turn, breaking the traditional belief that electoral success hinges on monetary influence. Karki, who suffered injuries during the September protests, anticipates significant reforms under the new government, emphasizing the need for stability and sustained progress.
Despite the challenges ahead, including Nepal’s historical political instability and the necessity for legislative consensus, supporters like Shubha Khadgi remain optimistic about Balen’s leadership, advocating for action-oriented governance over rhetoric.
As the country awaits the final election results, reflecting on a 60% voter turnout, concerns persist over the absence of age demographics and the obstacles faced by Nepalis working abroad or in urban centers to cast their votes. Purna Prasad Pandey, a voter backing Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), expressed hopes for Balen’s integrity in fulfilling the electorate’s aspirations, underscoring the weight of responsibility on the new government.
Amidst aspirations for stability and progress, citizens like Basant Bajracharya highlight the collective desire for a fresh start under Balen’s leadership, optimistic about the potential for positive change and effective governance in Nepal’s political landscape.