According to sources, Balendra Shah, also known as 'Balen', is poised to become Nepal's next prime minister. The 35-year-old former rapper and mayor of Kathmandu leads the centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which has secured a dominant lead in recent parliamentary elections. Partial results from Nepal's election commission and the Associated Press indicate the RSP has won 117 of 165 directly elected seats in the House of Representatives and leads in proportional representation votes.
Votes are still being counted, with final election results pending and full seat allocation taking more days. Shah defeated veteran former prime minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli. Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli congratulated Shah on social media.
The election followed protests in September 2025 that led to Oli's resignation and an interim government under Sushila Karki. Over 70 people died in those protests, according to sources. Voter turnout was around 60%, with 19 million participants.
Shah is a civil engineer with a master's degree who was first elected as Kathmandu mayor in 2022 as an independent. He is described as critical of India and focused on anti-corruption and development. His rise is linked to youth discontent over corruption and unemployment.
Shah is perceived as populist by some. The specific policies or plans Shah proposes as prime minister have not been detailed in available reports. Similarly, how his critical stance toward India will affect Nepal's foreign relations remains to be seen.
The timeline regarding Shah's resignation as mayor of Kathmandu is also unspecified. The RSP's performance represents a significant shift in Nepal's political landscape, marking a departure from traditional parties that have dominated for decades. The protests that preceded this election were among the deadliest in recent Nepali history, highlighting deep-seated frustrations with governance and economic conditions.
Shah's background as a former rapper and independent mayor has resonated with many seeking a break from conventional politics. His emphasis on anti-corruption aligns with widespread public sentiment that has fueled movements across the country. The RSP's centrist platform appears to have attracted a broad coalition of supporters.
This victory positions Shah to lead a government with a strong mandate. However, the transition of power will require navigating complex political dynamics, including relations with neighboring countries and domestic economic challenges. The interim government led by Sushila Karki managed the period between Oli's resignation and this election, maintaining stability during a turbulent time.
Now, as Shah prepares to assume office, attention turns to how he will implement his agenda and address the issues that sparked the 2025 protests. The youth-driven discontent that propelled his rise suggests high expectations for tangible progress on corruption and unemployment. International observers will be watching closely, given Shah's stated critical stance toward India and his focus on national development.
The election results also indicate a weakening of traditional parties like the Nepali Congress and communist factions, which have historically played major roles in Nepali politics. This shift could lead to realignments and new political alliances in the coming years. As votes continue to be counted and final results are awaited, the focus remains on Shah's next steps and the formation of his government.
The exact timing for the official confirmation of final election results and full seat allocation has not been specified. Nonetheless, the partial results point decisively toward a new era in Nepali politics under Balendra Shah's leadership.