Balendra Shah, the rapper turned politician who led a generation Z revolution, is set to become Nepal's next prime minister after his party secured a landslide victory in the country's first election since youth protests toppled the previous government.
Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won at least 122 of 165 direct seats, with results still being counted, putting it on course for the largest majority since Nepal became a democracy. The party, formed only three years ago, defeated veteran parties that have dominated politics for decades.
Shah, 35, rose to fame as a rapper targeting poverty and corruption before becoming Kathmandu's mayor in 2022. He gained national prominence during last September's youth uprising, which began over a social media ban and escalated into wider unrest that left 70 dead and forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
In a symbolic contest, Shah defeated Oli in the Jhapa-5 constituency by 68,348 votes to 18,724. Oli conceded defeat, wishing Shah an 'uninterrupted five-year term'. Shah declared the victory belonged to the people, saying 'this is your victory'.
Gen Z movement leaders hailed the result as justice for protesters killed in the crackdown. 'It feels like justice has been delivered to the martyrs,' said Aditya Karna, 23. Bhawana Raut, a movement leader, said the result sends a message that governments must be accountable.
