Nepal election: rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah poised to become next prime minister
Balen Shah, a former Kathmandu mayor and rapper, is poised to become Nepal's next prime minister after securing a commanding lead in the election. With over 55,500 votes, he surpassed Kailash Chandra Oli, his main opponent, who received only 15,409 votes. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by Shah, is expected to form a majority government if its strong showing nationwide is confirmed. The election commission expects the final results to be delivered by Monday, with preliminary estimates indicating that over 60% of voters cast their ballots on Thursday. Analysts attribute Oli's defeat to voter fatigue and dissatisfaction with his governance, while Shah's victory signifies a shift in public sentiment towards new faces and anti-establishment parties.
9 MAR 2026
— The Hindu
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party on their electoral victories in Nepal, expressing India's commitment to working with them.
12 MAR 2026
— BBC
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a landslide victory in Nepal's election, with rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah poised to become the country's next leader.
— Al Jazeera
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured a landslide victory in Nepal's parliamentary election, exceeding expectations and marking a significant shift in Nepali politics.
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