Nepali election: Former rapper poised for landslide victory

Nepali Election: Former Rapper Poised for Landslide Victory

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah is leading a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape, securing a strong lead in the country's first election since youth-led protests toppled the previous government last fall. With 122 out of 165 directly elected parliamentary seats, his centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has demonstrated a clear mandate for change. Young voters like Shubha Khadgi, who voted in Kathmandu, are optimistic about his platform focused on youth power, new thinking, and reforms. Despite challenges, including low voter turnout and the need for political consensus, Balendra Shah's decisive win over ousted prime minister KP Sharma Oli signals a major shift in Nepal's political dynamics.