Balendra Shah is an unorthodox politician who has become a new political star in Nepal. Many Generation Z voters, born between 1997 and 2012, place their hopes in him, with expectations high for his election rally on the outskirts of Kathmandu. In the fall, these young voters demonstrated in Kathmandu's streets against the political establishment, with anger mainly directed at widespread corruption among politicians.
Balendra Shah is seen as the politician who will finally set Nepal on a new course. Reliable opinion polls are lacking ahead of the election, but both Nepalese media and political analysts give him good chances of winning. 2 million new jobs.
He is a man who lets his work speak for itself.
Much of his political capital comes from his career as a rap musician, with lyrics often dealing with Nepal's working class that have resonated in a nation where one-fifth of the 30 million inhabitants live in severe poverty. In 2022, Balendra Shah became mayor of Kathmandu, where he distinguished himself by improving waste management and increasing access to healthcare. However, he also faced criticism for ordering the police to evict street vendors, allegedly using brutal methods.
In January, the former rapper resigned as mayor of Kathmandu to focus entirely on the position of prime minister for the new party Rastriya Swantanantra (RSP). If Balendra Shah succeeds, it could renew how Nepal balances its foreign policy.
We need big changes in many areas, a complete fresh start. We need roads without potholes, education initiatives, and healthcare. And jobs for the younger generation.