Nepal’s Former Rapper Enters Prime Minister Race as Youth Politics Disrupt Old Order

Post by : Saif Nasser

Nepal is witnessing a major political shift as a former rapper and sitting mayor prepares to contest for the country’s top political post. Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, has announced that he will run for prime minister in the upcoming March 5 parliamentary election. His entry follows months of youth-led protests that shook the nation and forced long-standing political leaders to step aside.

Balen, 35, is currently the mayor of Kathmandu and one of the most popular public figures among young Nepalese. Before entering politics, he was known for his rap music and sharp lyrics that often criticized social problems. His political rise reflects growing frustration among voters, especially young people, with traditional parties that have dominated Nepal for more than three decades.

Ahead of the election, Balen has formed an alliance with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a relatively new political group led by Rabi Lamichhane, a former television presenter turned politician. Under their agreement, Balen will be the prime minister if the RSP wins the election, while Lamichhane will remain party leader. Political analysts say this alliance combines youth appeal with an organized political platform.

The alliance comes in the aftermath of powerful “Gen Z” protests in September, when young people across Nepal took to the streets against corruption, poor governance, and lack of opportunities. The protests turned violent in some places, leading to the deaths of 77 people and eventually forcing Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign. The unrest marked one of the most serious political crises Nepal has faced in recent years.

Although Balen rarely appeared at protest sites, many young demonstrators saw him as a symbol of resistance. He used social media to communicate with supporters and later played a role in forming an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, which is now overseeing the election process.

Nepal has nearly 19 million eligible voters out of a population of about 30 million. After the protests, almost one million new voters, mostly young people, were added to the voter list. This change has made youth voters a key force in the upcoming election and increased the challenge for older political parties.

For decades, Nepal’s politics has been controlled by the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML). Leaders from these parties have downplayed the impact of the new alliance, calling both Balen and Lamichhane controversial figures. They argue that experience and stability will matter more than popularity when voters make their choice.

Supporters of the alliance disagree. They believe Nepal needs leaders who understand the anger and hopes of young people. They say fresh faces and new ideas are essential to break the cycle of corruption and weak governance that has slowed the country’s progress.

While questions remain about Balen’s leadership style and Lamichhane’s legal challenges, their partnership has already changed the political debate. The March election will show whether Nepal’s voters are ready to trust a new generation of leaders or return power to the familiar political establishment.

One thing is clear: Nepal’s youth are no longer silent. Through protests, voting, and political participation, they are shaping the country’s future in ways unseen in decades.