Ex-rapper Balendra Shah sweeps to power in Nepal landslide election victory

In Nepal's recent parliamentary election, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by ex-rapper Balendra Shah, secured a landslide victory. Founded just four years ago, the RSP won 182 of the 275 seats, defeating established parties like the Nepali Congress and the Marxist party of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli. Shah, a 35-year-old former civil engineer and musician, also defeated Oli in his own constituency. The election results reflect a generational shift, with Shah's rise fueled by widespread discontent over corruption and economic stagnation, issues highlighted in his music and during the September 2025 protests. Shah's victory marks a significant change in Nepali politics, potentially ushering in a new era of leadership.

In Nepal's first parliamentary election since Gen Z protests, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by ex-rapper Balendra Shah, is poised for a landslide victory. Formed just four years ago, the RSP has already secured 117 of 165 directly elected seats, unseating the long-dominant Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal. Shah, who also won the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral race and was a key figure in the 2025 uprising, is the party's prime ministerial candidate. The RSP is also leading in proportional representation, potentially securing over half of the 110 seats allocated through this system. Final results are expected later in the week, marking a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape.

In Nepal's parliamentary election on Sunday, March 8, 2026, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former rapper Balendra Shah, is projected to win by a landslide. The RSP, formed four years ago, has already secured 117 of the 165 directly elected seats and leads in the proportional representation count. Shah, who previously won the Kathmandu mayoral race and played a key role in the 2025 uprising, is the party's prime ministerial candidate. The RSP's success marks a significant shift in Nepali politics, unseating the long-dominant Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist). The election results are still being finalized, with the remaining seats to be allocated through proportional representation.

In Nepal's parliamentary election, rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is poised to become the next prime minister. Shah holds a significant lead over veteran communist leader and former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli in the race for a seat in the House of Representatives in the Jhapa district. With over 80% of ballots counted, Shah has secured a decisive lead, making it unlikely for Oli to catch up. This election is viewed as a referendum on a generational shift in leadership following last year's youth uprising. If the RSP maintains its strong nationwide performance, Shah is expected to assume the role of prime minister.

In Nepal, general elections were held on March 5, 2026. Among those casting a ballot was Balendra Shah, the 35-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu. Shah, who previously worked as a rapper, entered politics and participated in the election process. The election took place approximately six months after youth-led anti-corruption protests resulted in the collapse of the previous government. The elections are being closely watched as a potential turning point following the recent political upheaval.

Nepal is holding a general election pitting established veteran politicians against a rising youth movement. Nearly 19 million voters will decide who replaces the interim government, which was put in place after youth-led protests in September 2025, sparked by social media bans and fueled by corruption and economic concerns. Key figures include a former Marxist prime minister, a rapper-turned-mayor, and the newly elected leader of the Nepali Congress party. Younger candidates are challenging veteran politicians by promising economic reform. The election is seen as a pivotal moment for Nepal, with all eyes on the farming plains south of Kathmandu, where prime ministerial hopefuls are contesting seats.

In Nepal, television host Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra party (RSP), and Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have formed an alliance to address youth demands following deadly anti-corruption protests in September. The protests, triggered by a social media ban and fueled by economic stagnation and corruption allegations, resulted in at least 77 deaths. According to the agreement, Lamichhane will remain party chairperson, while Shah will be the candidate for prime minister in the March 5 election. Lamichhane, a popular figure despite recent fraud allegations, and Shah, seen as key in the political transition, aim to capitalize on widespread discontent with Nepal's established political leadership. The interim government is committed to a free and fair election.

In Nepal, television host Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra party (RSP), and Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have formed an alliance to address youth demands following deadly anti-corruption protests in September. The protests, triggered by a social media ban and fueled by economic stagnation and corruption allegations, resulted in at least 77 deaths. According to the agreement, Lamichhane will remain party chairperson, while Shah will be the candidate for prime minister in the March 5 election. Lamichhane, a popular figure despite recent fraud allegations, and Shah, seen as key in the political transition, aim to capitalize on widespread discontent with Nepal's established political leadership. The interim government is committed to a free and fair election.

In Nepal, television host Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra party (RSP), and Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have formed an alliance to address youth demands following deadly anti-corruption protests in September. The protests, triggered by a social media ban and fueled by economic stagnation and corruption allegations, resulted in at least 77 deaths. According to the agreement, Lamichhane will remain party chairperson, while Shah will be the candidate for prime minister in the March 5 election. Lamichhane, a popular figure despite recent fraud allegations, and Shah, seen as key in the political transition, aim to capitalize on widespread discontent with Nepal's established political leadership. The interim government is committed to a free and fair election.