Nepal’s early vote count puts ex-rapper’s party ahead
Nepal’s early vote count puts ex-rapper’s party ahead
Initial election results in Nepal revealed a commanding lead for Balendra Shah’s political faction, surpassing key competitors such as the former prime minister, who stepped down following a transformative youth movement. Shah, 35, previously known as a musician, has emerged as a prominent figure in the race for the nation’s top leadership, drawing widespread support across diverse regions. His centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party, established three years ago, holds an early advantage in 37 parliamentary seats, while K P Sharma Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist – UML) trails with three. These preliminary figures, shared by the election commission on Friday morning, signal a shift in Nepal’s political landscape.
The Nepali Congress, led by Gagan Thapa at 49, the country’s longest-standing party, is currently in contention for five seats. With 275 total seats in the lower house of parliament, 165 are decided through direct voting, while the remaining 110 will be allocated via proportional representation. Officials anticipate final outcomes by Friday evening or Saturday, as the counting process continues. Shah’s campaign has resonated strongly with younger voters, who have sought fresh direction after years of political turmoil.
“The long-festering malaise erupted into street demonstrations last September, triggered by a social media ban, that brought thousands onto the streets,”
Nepal, a nation of 30 million people, has endured decades of political instability, which has hindered its agrarian economy and worsened unemployment. These systemic challenges have been exacerbated by widespread corruption. The recent upheaval began with protests sparked by a social media restriction, leading to intense clashes and fatalities that ultimately forced Oli’s resignation. Shah’s ability to connect with grassroots movements and online platforms has positioned him as a symbol of change in this volatile environment.
