Young Party Led by Rapper Wins Nepal Election
Friday, 2026/03/13184 words3 minutes135 reads
Nepal's recent election has produced a remarkable outcome. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former rapper Balendra Shah, has won a sweeping majority. The party is only four years old, making this victory even more surprising.
Many voters told reporters they were frustrated with decades of corruption and political problems. They see Balen, as Shah is commonly known, as a symbol of hope and change. He defeated former prime minister KP Sharma Oli in a seat that was considered very safe for Oli.
However, the new government faces serious challenges. Youth unemployment stands at about 20%, and three million Nepalis work overseas because they cannot find jobs at home. The RSP has promised to grow the economy by 7% every year, but experts say this target may be unrealistic. The World Bank projects slower growth due to political instability and natural disasters.
The party also promises to fight corruption and reform the judiciary. But critics worry that Balen's inexperience could be a problem. As Kathmandu's mayor, he was criticized for being too harsh with street vendors. Now he must lead an entire country.
