Nepal Election: Rapper Balendra Shah Poised to Be Prime Minister | Results & Updates
Kathmandu, Nepal – Preliminary results from Nepal’s parliamentary elections indicate a significant political shift, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former rapper Balendra Shah, emerging as a frontrunner. The results mark the country’s first parliamentary election since the youth-led revolt of 2025 that ousted former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli.
As of , the RSP had secured victory in 60 of the 165 directly elected seats in the House of Representatives and was leading in an additional 61 constituencies, according to Nepal’s Election Commission. This strong showing suggests a growing dissatisfaction with established political parties and a desire for change among Nepali voters.
Balendra Shah, 35, is the RSP’s prime ministerial candidate. He first gained prominence after winning the 2022 mayoral race in Kathmandu. His campaign focused on addressing the needs of impoverished Nepalis, particularly in the areas of health and education, resonating with a public frustrated by persistent economic challenges and perceived political stagnation. Shah’s rise to national prominence was further cemented by his role as a key figure in the 2025 uprising that led to Oli’s removal from office.
The election results represent a notable upset, particularly in the constituency of Jhapa 5, where Shah directly challenged and defeated the incumbent, former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. Shah secured almost four times as many votes as Oli, signaling a decisive rejection of the veteran politician and his party. Oli himself congratulated Shah on his victory, expressing hope for a “smooth and successful” term in office.
The remaining six seats that have been definitively called went to the Nepal Congress party and two communist parties, indicating that while the RSP is currently leading, it will likely need to form a coalition government to secure a majority. The remaining 110 seats in the 275-member Parliament will be allocated through a proportional representation system, based on the overall vote share of each party. Vote counting is ongoing in most constituencies, and final results are expected within the next two days.
Shah’s political journey is unconventional. Before entering politics, he was a well-known figure in Nepal’s hip-hop scene, active since 2012. His transition from rapper to mayor and now potential prime minister reflects a broader trend of non-traditional candidates gaining traction in Nepali politics, fueled by public disillusionment with the established order.
During his tenure as mayor of Kathmandu, Shah implemented initiatives focused on improving waste management and traffic flow. However, his administration also faced criticism regarding the demolition of illegally constructed buildings, the handling of squatter settlements, and enforcement actions against street vendors. These actions, while aimed at improving urban planning and governance, sparked debate about the balance between development and social equity.
Shah’s political ideology is often described as populist, appealing to a broad base of voters who feel marginalized by the traditional political elite. His success is seen by some as mirroring similar political movements in other parts of the world, where outsider candidates have capitalized on public anger and a desire for change. A recent analysis by NDTV noted parallels between Shah’s rise and the failed attempt by a student-led party in Bangladesh to gain political traction, highlighting the unique factors that contributed to Shah’s success in Nepal.
The RSP’s strong performance in the election is widely interpreted as a rejection of the established political parties that have dominated Nepal for decades. Voters appear to be seeking a fresh approach to governance, one that prioritizes the needs of ordinary citizens and addresses the country’s pressing economic and social challenges. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for Nepal’s future political landscape, potentially ushering in a new era of political reform and accountability.
Balendra Shah resigned as mayor of Kathmandu in January to contest the general election, demonstrating his ambition to lead the country on a national scale. His victory over Oli, a long-serving and influential figure in Nepali politics, is seen as a symbolic moment, representing a generational shift and a rejection of the old guard.
The election results also come at a critical juncture for Nepal, as the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake and the challenges of economic development. The new government, led by the RSP if Shah secures the prime ministership, will face significant pressure to deliver on its promises of improved healthcare, education, and economic opportunity for all Nepalis.