In a historic political upset, Balen Shah, a 35-year-old rapper and former mayor of Kathmandu, has led the Rastriya Swatantra Party to a sweeping victory in Nepal’s national elections.
Nepal’s recent elections have resulted in one of the most significant political upsets in the country’s modern democratic history. Balen Shah, the 35-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu, has emerged as a leading figure in Nepal’s Gen Z political awakening, guiding the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to a decisive victory over the traditional political establishment, which was previously dominated by the coalition led by Marxist veteran KP Sharma Oli.
The forces driving this electoral shift are clear. Nearly half of Nepal’s population is under the age of 30, a demographic that has witnessed a political elite cycling through power while issues such as corruption, unemployment, and poor governance have persisted. For many young Nepalis, the stagnation of their country has led to a harsh reality: migration. Each year, tens of thousands leave Nepal to seek work abroad, often in difficult conditions and even in conflict zones, simply to secure a livelihood that remains elusive at home.
Nepal continues to grapple with significant economic challenges, remaining one of the poorest countries globally, with a per capita income of approximately $1,447 and an unemployment rate near 13 percent. While the youthful demographic profile could be seen as a potential asset, it has become a source of anxiety due to the country’s ongoing struggle to create the necessary industries, infrastructure, and job opportunities for its burgeoning workforce.
This economic hardship is exacerbated by systemic corruption and a heavy reliance on remittances. While these remittances help sustain Nepal’s economy, they also obscure the failures of successive governments to foster sustainable growth within the country.
The election results reflect a deep reservoir of public frustration directed at the major traditional parties, including various Communist factions and the centrist Nepal Congress. Many voters believe these parties have squandered years of opportunity, leading to widespread disillusionment.
This political backlash was further fueled by the memory of the student protests that erupted across Nepal last September, sparked by accusations of corruption and authoritarian behavior from the political establishment. These demonstrations ultimately led to the resignation of Oli’s government.
However, the real challenge begins now for Shah and the RSP. Their campaign, built on a “Nepal First” platform that emphasizes clean governance and national dignity, will need to translate into effective policies to address the structural problems facing the nation. Reviving the economy, reducing reliance on remittances, and creating jobs for millions of young citizens will require a level of policy coherence and institutional capacity that the new leadership has yet to demonstrate.
Additionally, there is a geopolitical aspect to this generational shift in Nepal. Situated between India and China, Nepal has historically navigated a delicate balance between its two powerful neighbors. A government led by young nationalists could recalibrate these relationships in unpredictable ways, potentially seeking greater autonomy in foreign policy while still relying on both neighbors for trade, investment, and transit.
At this moment, Nepal stands at a crossroads of political optimism and profound uncertainty. The youth have voted decisively for change, and the outcome of this shift will depend on whether the new leadership can harness this generational energy into effective governance.
This article has been republished with permission from The Free Press Journal.