Post by : Saif Rahman

Nepal is undergoing a significant political transformation as Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, a former rapper and the current mayor of Kathmandu, announces his candidacy for prime minister in the forthcoming March 5 parliamentary elections. His bid is a direct response to recent youth-centric protests that have led to the resignation of long-standing political figures.

At just 35, Balen stands as a prominent voice among the younger Nepalese due to his previous career in music, where his sharp lyrics often addressed social issues. His rise in politics signifies a substantial shift in voter sentiment, especially among younger demographics disenchanted with traditional parties that have historically dominated the country.

Forming an alliance with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), helmed by Rabi Lamichhane, a former television presenter, Balen aims to leverage their combined youth appeal in the elections. Under the coalition, should the RSP clinch victory, Balen is slated to become the prime minister while Lamichhane retains leadership of the party. Analysts believe this partnership merges youthful enthusiasm with a structured political framework.

This alliance stems from the impactful “Gen Z” protests seen in September, where young citizens rallied against corruption and poor governance. The protests escalated into violence, resulting in 77 fatalities and ultimately compelling Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to step down. This period marks one of Nepal’s most severe political upheavals in recent history.

While Balen has not been a prominent figure at protest sites, the youth view him as a beacon of hope. He effectively utilized social media to engage his supporters and later contributed to establishing an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, currently overseeing the electoral process.

With nearly 19 million eligible voters in a population of approximately 30 million, the recent protests have spurred an influx of about one million new voters, predominantly young, into the electoral rolls. This emerging demographic is poised to play a critical role in the upcoming elections, heightening the stakes for established political factions.

For years, Nepal's political landscape has been dominated by the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML). Leaders from these traditional parties have attempted to downplay the significance of the new alliance, branding both Balen and Lamichhane as polarizing figures. They assert that experience and stability will prevail in voters’ decisions over popularity.

Supporters of Balen's coalition, however, contend that the nation requires leaders who resonate with the aspirations and frustrations of the youth. They advocate for innovative ideas and refreshed faces to counteract the entrenched corruption and governance issues hindering Nepal’s advancement.

Despite ongoing questions regarding Balen’s governance style and Lamichhane’s legal predicaments, their coalition has already sparked a shift in the political narrative. The impending elections will reveal whether the electorate is prepared to embrace a new wave of leadership or revert to the traditional political elite.

What is clear is that the youth in Nepal are no longer muted. Through protests, electoral participation, and civic engagement, they are actively defining the country’s trajectory like never before.

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