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

Early Election Results Highlight Rise of Ex-Rapper’s Political Party in Nepal

Initial projections from Nepal’s election commission on Friday morning suggest that Balendra Shah’s centrist party has emerged as the frontrunner in the nation’s general election, significantly surpassing its competitors. Shah, 35, the former mayor of Kathmandu, has captivated voters with his energetic campaign, which has resonated strongly across the country.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party, established three years ago, currently holds the lead in 37 parliamentary seats. This outpaces the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist – UML), led by the former prime minister K P Sharma Oli, which is projected to secure only three seats. Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress, headed by Gagan Thapa, the country’s oldest political party, is expected to claim five seats in the early tally.

With 275 seats in the lower house of parliament, the election process involves 165 directly elected seats and 110 determined through proportional representation. Officials anticipate final results by Friday evening or Saturday. Shah’s campaign, which drew massive crowds, emphasized a desire for transformation, particularly among younger demographics seeking reform.

Political instability has long affected Nepal, a nation of 30 million people bordered by China and India. Structural challenges like economic stagnation, rising unemployment, and widespread corruption have plagued the country for decades. These issues intensified in September when mass protests erupted, fueled by a social media ban. The demonstrations led to violent clashes and fatalities, ultimately forcing Oli’s resignation.

“The social media ban ignited widespread frustration, prompting thousands to take to the streets and demand change,” remarked an observer following the unrest.