In a significant political shift, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former rapper Balendra Shah, has secured a commanding majority in Nepal’s recent parliamentary elections. Official results indicate that the party won 182 out of 275 seats in the lower house, marking a remarkable achievement for a party that was founded just four years ago. Shah, a 35-year-old former civil engineer and hip-hop artist known as “Balen,” won 125 seats directly and an additional 57 through proportional representation.
The Nepali Congress party finished in second place with 38 seats, while the Communist Party, led by veteran politician Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, managed to secure only 25 seats. Notably, Shah defeated the 74-year-old Oli in his own constituency, signaling a dramatic shift in the political landscape. Following the election results, Oli publicly congratulated Shah, wishing him a “smooth and successful” term.
The elections come in the wake of significant unrest in Nepal, which saw widespread protests last September. These protests, initially sparked by a government ban on social media, evolved into a broader movement against corruption and economic stagnation, resulting in at least 77 fatalities. Shah’s music, particularly his hit song “Nepal Haseko,” resonated with the youth during this turmoil, garnering over 10 million views on YouTube and establishing him as a prominent voice for change.
Shah’s rise from a rapper to Kathmandu’s first independent mayor in 2022 exemplifies a generational shift in Nepal, where over 40 percent of the population is under 35 years old. His victory is viewed as a rejection of the traditional political elite, which has largely remained in power for decades. Shah emphasized that his win represents a refusal to accept the “easy way out” and a commitment to addressing the country’s longstanding issues.
The RSP’s campaign was notably well-organized and received substantial support from the Nepali diaspora, particularly in the United States. As the country prepares for a new government, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his support, calling the election a “proud moment” in Nepal’s democratic journey. The process for confirming a new prime minister is underway, with parties expected to submit names for proportionally allocated seats before parliament convenes.
