Nepal’s early vote count puts ex-rapper’s party ahead
Nepal’s early vote count puts ex-rapper’s party ahead
Early results from Nepal’s general election indicate a significant advantage for Balendra Shah’s political party, with the rapper-turned-candidate outperforming other contenders, including the former prime minister who resigned following a landmark youth-driven revolt last year.
Shah, 35, a former mayor of Kathmandu, has been a prominent figure in the race for Nepal’s prime minister. His centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party, established three years ago, appears to be in a strong position, securing leads in 37 parliamentary seats. In contrast, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist – UML), led by 74-year-old K P Sharma Oli, holds a narrower edge in three seats, according to preliminary data released by the election commission on Friday.
The Nepali Congress, under 49-year-old Gagan Thapa, the nation’s oldest political party, is leading in five seats. The final tally of 275 seats in the lower house of parliament will depend on the completion of 165 direct elections, with the remaining 110 seats to be determined through proportional representation. Officials anticipate the full results by Friday evening or Saturday.
Political Instability and Youth-Led Uprising
Nepal, a country of 30 million people bordered by China and India, has long grappled with political instability, which has disrupted its agrarian economy and exacerbated unemployment. These systemic challenges have been worsened by widespread corruption. The situation escalated last September when a social media ban sparked widespread protests, drawing thousands to the streets and resulting in clashes and deaths that ultimately led to the resignation of Oli.
Shah’s campaign has resonated strongly with younger voters, leveraging both online engagement and grassroots efforts to position himself as a symbol of change. His presence in Jhapa 5, a key constituency near the Indian border, highlighted his ability to challenge Oli on his home ground, despite the latter’s extensive political experience.
