Nepal Nears Final Vote Count as Rapper-Turned-Politician Shah Leads
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Nepal is wrapping up vote counting from the recent parliamentary elections, with rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerging as the frontrunner.
Shah, 35, who previously served as Kathmandu’s mayor, is on track to become Nepal’s next prime minister after a decisive showing that saw him defeat former four-time prime minister KP Sharma Oli in his constituency.
The March 5 elections were the first since nationwide anti-corruption protests toppled the previous government in September, signaling a shift in the country’s political landscape.
Preliminary results show RSP winning roughly 125 of 165 directly elected seats, while also leading in proportional representation ballots. With only about two percent of votes left to count, the party is poised for a near-landslide victory, potentially securing around 176 seats.
Election officials caution that final seat allocations may shift slightly, especially due to votes for smaller parties that did not meet the threshold.
“The final proportional representation numbers will be ready soon,” said Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, noting that official confirmation is expected within days.
Political analysts warn that forming a new government could take over a week, as the president must formally receive the commission’s report and consult RSP lawmakers to confirm the prime ministerial candidate.
Shah’s rise, blending celebrity and politics, has captivated the nation, with videos of voters dancing to his songs becoming a viral phenomenon during the campaign. His expected premiership marks one of Nepal’s most dramatic political turnovers in recent history.
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