Gen Z-backed ex-rapper’s party set to sweep Nepal poll

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah's newly formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was on Friday heading towards a sweeping victory in Nepal's first general election since the violent Gen Z protests, shattering the dominance of established political parties in the politically fragile nation.

According to the Election Commission's data available from 161 of the total 165 constituencies, the RSP has won four seats and is ahead in 110 others.

Balendra Shah, who was the Mayor of Kathmandu till recently, is leading by more than 10,000 votes in Jhapa-5 constituency against four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in the latter's stronghold.

Popularly known as 'Balen', the 35-year-old engineer is expected to be the next PM of Nepal, reflecting a public mood of rejection of established parties. Nepal has had 14 governments in the last 18 years.

The election was being closely watched by India, which hopes for a stable government in the politically fragile Himalayan nation to take forward the developmental partnership between the two sides.

"We look forward to working with the new Government of Nepal to further build on the robust multifaceted ties between our two countries and peoples for mutual benefit," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.

He stressed India has "consistently supported peace, progress and stability in Nepal and in keeping with our commitment, provided logistical supplies as per request from Government of Nepal for these elections".

Popularly known as 'Balen', the 35-year-old engineer was a popular choice to lead the interim government after Gen Z youths toppled the Oli-led coalition government in September last year, following two-day nationwide violent protests against corruption and a ban on social media. But Balen declined then to lead the interim government, saying he would rather head the government by contesting the parliamentary election for a full term.

In January, he joined the RSP, led by Ravi Lamichhane, and was soon declared the party's prime ministerial candidate. Among other parties, the Shram Sanskriti Party is leading in six constituencies.

Ranju Darshana of the RSP won from Kathmandu-1 with 15,455 votes, while Yogesh Gauchan Thakali of the NC won from Mustang with 3,307 votes.

According to an official, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has won from Rukum Purba district. He secured 10,240 votes against his nearest rival, Lilamani Gautam of CPN (UML), who got 3,462 votes. The RSP is leading in all 10 constituencies of Kathmandu.

Nepal witnessed about 60 per cent voter turnout during the elections to the House of Representatives on Thursday. The counting of votes started late Thursday night and is expected to be completed soon, according to the Election Commission.

The RSP, formed in 2022, had projected Balen as its prime minister candidate. The party received significant support during the campaign. On the other hand, the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) were part of the government toppled by the Gen Z last year.

Nepali Congress president Gagan Thapa is the prime ministerial candidate of his party, whereas the CPN (UML) has projected Oli as its PM face.

Nepal's 18.9 million voters were eligible to elect 275 members of the House of Representatives. They will elect 165 HoR members through first past the post (FPTP) or direct voting system, and 110 members through proportionate voting.

Around 3,400 candidates are vying for 165 seats under direct voting, and 3,135 candidates for 110 seats through proportionate voting.

The Gen Z youth, through their two-day intensified protests on September 8 and 9, ousted Prime Minister Oli, who was heading a coalition government with the backing of Nepali Congress that enjoyed nearly two-thirds majority support.

After Oli's ouster, President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives on September 12 and appointed Sushila Karki as the caretaker PM. The major issues raised by Gen Z are anti-corruption, good governance, an end to nepotism, generational change in political leadership, etc.