Balendra Shah, known as Balen, is set to become Nepal’s next prime minister after his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a historic victory in the national elections. The 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician captured the public imagination by promising change at a moment when frustration with Nepal’s political old guard had reached a peak.
The election marked the first major vote since a youth-led protest movement shook the country, resulting in dozens of deaths and the collapse of the government. Shah and the RSP’s success reflected a demand for fresh leadership and a break from the entrenched political establishment. “It is the victory of hope and change,” said Ramesh Paudyal, a senior leader of RSP. “The true tribute to the Gen Z martyrs will be measured by the work carried out every day under Shah’s leadership.”
Public discontent was evident across the country as veteran parties lost seats in unprecedented numbers. Shah’s party, formed only three years ago by a former television executive, won an outright majority—a rare occurrence in Nepalese politics. Analysts describe the election as one of the most gripping in decades, a clash between long-standing political heavyweights and a younger generation promising to combat corruption and revitalize the nation.
Shah’s rise is remarkable given his relative inexperience in politics. An engineer by education, he first gained fame as a rapper whose songs addressed poverty, unemployment, and systemic corruption. In 2022, he transitioned to politics by running as an independent candidate for mayor of Kathmandu. His term as mayor was marked by ambitious initiatives, including the removal of unauthorized buildings and a crackdown on urban waste, which earned him significant public approval.
The youth-led uprising in September of last year propelled Shah to national prominence. The protests, initially sparked by restrictions on social media, reflected a broader frustration over lack of opportunities. When authorities responded with force, 19 protesters were killed. The unrest escalated into widespread violence that claimed 70 lives and ultimately forced the resignation of the government led by four-time prime minister KP Sharma Oli and his veteran Communist party.
During the upheaval, Shah was widely supported by protest leaders to serve as interim prime minister. He chose instead to wait for formal elections, which were held on March 5. Shah directly challenged 74-year-old Oli and secured an overwhelming victory, winning 68,348 votes to Oli’s 18,724. As Oli conceded, he offered Shah his best wishes for a five-year term.
Shah’s celebration was emblematic of his connection with the public. Arriving to collect his certificate in his signature dark sunglasses and black blazer, he emerged from the sunroof of his vehicle holding a banner that read: “Congratulations to all of you, this is your victory.” Public jubilation was immediate. “One of the main factors behind the Gen Z movement, KP Oli, has been defeated. It feels like justice has been delivered to the martyrs,” said Aditya Karna, 23. “Now there is an expectation that Balen will lead the country toward a better future.”
Shah’s victory signals a historic shift in Nepalese politics. It reflects not just a personal triumph, but the broader aspirations of a generation demanding accountability, opportunity, and transparency. Analysts suggest his leadership will be closely watched for its ability to translate youthful energy and public mandate into meaningful governance.
