Nepal’s early vote count puts ex-rapper’s party ahead

Nepal’s early vote count puts ex-rapper’s party ahead

Initial results from Nepal’s general election have shown a surge for Balendra Shah’s political group, with the rapper-turned-mayor of Kathmandu gaining momentum over key opponents. The tally, released on Friday, highlights a significant gap between his party and rivals, particularly the former prime minister who stepped down following a pivotal youth-driven protest last year.

Shah, 35, has emerged as a central figure in the race for prime minister, capturing widespread support among young voters through his energetic campaign. His centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party, established just three years ago, appears to be leading in 37 parliamentary seats, compared to the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist – UML) of K P Sharma Oli, who is trailing with just three seats. The Nepali Congress, led by 49-year-old Gagan Thapa, holds an early lead in five seats, though it remains the country’s dominant political force.

Officials anticipate final outcomes by late Friday or Saturday, as counting continues for 165 directly elected seats out of the total 275 in the lower house. The remaining 110 seats will be allocated via proportional representation. During the campaign, Shah attracted large crowds, both in person and online, as he campaigned in Jhapa 5, a constituency near the Indian border, where he challenged Oli’s stronghold.

With a population of 30 million, Nepal has long struggled with political instability, which has undermined its economy and worsened unemployment. These challenges have been exacerbated by systemic corruption. The situation escalated in September when a social media ban sparked mass demonstrations, leading to violent clashes and deaths that ultimately forced Oli to resign. The unrest reflected deep frustrations with governance and economic conditions.