In Kathmandu, supporters swarmed the truck of prime ministerial hopeful Balendra Shah on Saturday, halting it amid cheers as the former rapper, dressed in sunglasses and a sharp black suit, danced atop the roof.
Youth Momentum in Upcoming Election
Nepalis prepare to vote on Thursday in the first election following last September’s Gen Z uprising that ousted the prior government. Balen Shah, the 35-year-old ex-musician and current Kathmandu mayor, energizes voters, especially youth eager to unseat entrenched politicians.
“He’s a modern person who connects with our generation,” said Sirjana Gaire, a 20-year-old civil engineering student. “He gets how we want the world to view Nepal.”
Key Battle in Jhapa District
The pivotal contest unfolds in eastern Jhapa district, pitting Shah—known as Balen—against KP Sharma Oli, the 74-year-old leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). Oli, who served as prime minister four times, resigned six months ago amid outrage over corruption, nepotism, and economic woes.
The uprising ignited over a social media restriction but exposed broader anger at political graft and instability, exacerbated by security forces’ use of live ammunition and tear gas. Over 70 died, hundreds suffered injuries, and landmarks like parliament and the Supreme Court burned.
Oli’s rallies draw modest crowds of loyalists. “Gen Z protesters won’t build our nation,” said Bishnu Prasad Sedai, 72. “We must back KP Oli—we trust only him.”
Kathmandu’s Shift Toward Change
Such views fade in Kathmandu. “Balen’s path from rapper critiquing prime ministers to potential leader is amazing,” said Shittal Neupane, Gaire’s classmate. Fellow student Samir Singh, 19, added, “If no change comes Thursday, I’ll be disappointed in Nepal’s citizens—everyone shares our frustration.”
Enthusiasm spans ages. DK Shakya, 72, chatting with friends in Lalitpur’s Patan Durbar Square, declared, “Old parties delivered nothing. We’ll vote for the bell,” referencing Shah’s party symbol.
Demographics and Political Challenges
With 46 percent of Nepalis under 24, Thursday’s vote tests if youth discontent yields enduring reform or if veteran parties retain control. Nepal’s complex system breeds unstable coalitions—31 prime ministers in 35 years.
Rampant corruption and a weak economy drive youth unemployment above 20 percent, pushing thousands abroad for jobs.
“A Balen wave surges,” noted political scientist Lok Raj Baral of Tribhuvan University and ex-ambassador to India. “But will it endure? The top vote-getter likely forms another coalition amid bargaining.”
Shah shuns traditional media, engaging via social platforms. A recent Facebook post proclaiming rejection of foreign influences has sparked debate on his readiness for leadership. His Rastriya Swatantra Party challenges the elite, while major parties field few young candidates.
The centre-left Nepali Congress recently chose 49-year-old Gagan Thapa as president after internal strife.
Security and Voter Stories
Interim authorities deploy 335,000 security personnel to ensure safety, with results expected in days. Many return to villages to vote, including Madan Karki, 25, shot in the arm during protests, causing lasting nerve damage.
“It felt like my heart stopped; the sky spun as death neared,” Karki recalled. Friends dragged him, bleeding, to an ambulance. “We protested for Nepal but got shot like terrorists.”
Now unable to grip a camera, the videographer edits instead, enduring burning pain and poor circulation. His mother, Juna Karki, 49, demands accountability for the violence. Karki questions Oli’s candidacy: “He lacks moral right to run.” Despite family loyalty to old parties tempering optimism, hope lingers for progress.
