Ex-Rapper Balendra Shah Set to Become Nepal’s Prime Minister After Landslide Election Win

Kathmandu, Nepal – Balendra Shah, the 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician and figurehead of a Gen Z movement, is poised to become Nepal’s next prime minister following a landslide victory for his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The results mark a significant shift in Nepal’s political landscape, signaling a rejection of established parties and a demand for change from the country’s youth.

A Landslide Victory for the RSP

The RSP secured a majority in the direct parliamentary elections, winning at least 117 of 165 direct seats and leading in eight others as of Sunday, March 8, 2026 . This victory comes less than a year after youth-led protests toppled the previous government, sparked by frustration over lack of opportunities and perceived corruption.

From Rapper to Mayor to Prime Minister

Shah, widely known as “Balen,” rose to fame as a rapper whose music addressed issues of poverty, unemployment, and corruption. In 2022, he transitioned to public office, winning the mayoral election for Kathmandu as an independent candidate . During his tenure as mayor, he focused on initiatives related to waste management and traffic management, but too faced criticism regarding the handling of squatter settlements and enforcement actions against street vendors .

Defeating the Old Guard

In a symbolic contest, Shah directly challenged and defeated veteran four-time Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli in the Jhapa-5 constituency, securing 68,348 votes to Oli’s 18,724 . Oli conceded defeat, wishing Shah an “uninterrupted five-year term” .

The Gen Z Revolution

The RSP’s success is largely attributed to its ability to tap into the energy and aspirations of Nepal’s younger generation. The September 2025 uprising, triggered by a ban on social media but fueled by broader discontent, resulted in the deaths of 19 protesters and ultimately led to the resignation of Oli’s government . Shah was a favored choice among Gen Z protest leaders to become interim prime minister, but he opted to contest the formal elections.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the overwhelming victory, analysts caution that Shah faces significant challenges. The bureaucracy remains largely unchanged, and delivering on promises to investigate corruption and improve governance will be difficult . Navigating Nepal’s complex geopolitical position between India and China will be crucial .

“The public has many aspirations and many desires,” said political analyst Lok Raj Baral. “They have placed extremely high hopes, but in a country like Nepal it is very difficult to deliver.”

Key Takeaways

• Balendra Shah’s RSP has won a landslide victory in Nepal’s parliamentary elections.
• Shah’s success represents a significant shift in Nepali politics, driven by the demands of the younger generation.
• He defeated veteran politician Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli in a symbolic contest.
• Shah faces challenges in delivering on promises and navigating Nepal’s complex geopolitical landscape.