Rapper-Turned-Mayor Could Become Nepal’s Next PM
Vote counting is still underway in Nepal, but early results suggest a dramatic political shift. Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah has taken a strong early lead in the country’s general election.
Preliminary results show Shah’s party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), leading in more than two-thirds of the 165 directly elected parliamentary seats. If the trend continues, the 35-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu could be on track to become Nepal’s next prime minister.
Strong Competition From Veteran Leaders
Shah is competing against major political figures including former prime minister KP Sharma Oli of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) and Gagan Thapa of the Nepali Congress. However, early vote counts indicate Shah is currently well ahead of his rivals.
Election officials say final results may take several days because ballots from remote mountainous regions must often be transported by helicopter before counting can be completed.
From Hip-Hop Star to Political Leader
Before entering politics, Shah was widely known in Nepal’s hip-hop scene. He is a trained structural engineer and gained popularity through socially conscious rap songs such as “Balidan,” which has attracted millions of views online.
His popularity among young voters grew significantly during last year’s protests against corruption, unemployment and economic stagnation.
Why This Election Matters
Nearly 19 million people were eligible to vote in Thursday’s election, with officials estimating turnout at around 60%. Voters also elected 275 members of parliament through a mixed electoral system.
With about 800,000 first-time voters taking part, analysts say the election represents a battle between Nepal’s traditional political establishment and a new generation of leaders. If Shah ultimately secures victory, it could mark a major turning point in the country’s long history of unstable coalition governments.
