world
3/9/2026
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Ex-Rapper Balendra Shah Leads Party to Landslide Nepal Election Victory

Ex-Rapper Balendra Shah Leads Party to Landslide Nepal Election Victory
AI-Generated Summary

In a historic election that has upended Nepal's political landscape, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former rapper Balendra Shah, is surging toward a landslide victory. Preliminary results from the country's first parliamentary election since last year's youth-led protests show Shah's party capturing seats outright and leading in numerous others, positioning it for a potential two-thirds majority in the 275-seat House of Representatives. This decisive outcome signals a powerful rejection of the nation's established political elite. The victory for Shah, widely known as Balen and a former mayor of Kathmandu, is a direct result of his party's anti-corruption platform resonating with a broad cross-section of voters. The issues championed by Gen Z protesters—including corruption, inequality, and dissatisfaction with a revolving door of elite rule—gained traction across generations, propelling the RSP to an unprecedented margin of victory. Shah himself defeated former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli in his constituency, symbolizing the scale of the political shift. This electoral breakthrough guarantees a reshaping of Nepal's governance. The RSP's success challenges the long-entrenched parties that have dominated the South Asian nation's politics, indicating a strong public mandate for change and reform. The results position Balendra Shah on track to become the next prime minister, marking a new chapter for Nepal.

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Sources

Ex-rapper-led upstart party surges toward a Nepal election landslide | AP News

apnews.com
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Test Your News I.Q. — take today’s quiz ... 2026 Elections Election Results White House Congress Supreme Court The latest AP-NORC polls Ground Game Early voting tracker ... Exclusive insights and key stories from the world of politics.

Nepal election 2026 results - follow live - BBC News

bbc.com
50%

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is dominating the count, with Shah on course to be prime minister.

Ex-rapper Balendra Shah set to be Nepal PM after party’s landslide election win | Nepal | The Guardian

www.theguardian.com
50%

Balendra Shah, the rapper turned ... set to become Nepal’s next prime minister after his party won by an unprecedented margin. Shah, known widely as Balen, and his Rastriya Swatantra party (RSP) secured a rare landslide victory in the first election since youth-led protests ...

Former rapper and Gen Z's candidate poised to win Nepali election by landslide | CBC Accessibility

www.cbc.ca
50%

Former rapper and Gen Z's candidate poised to win Nepali election by landslide | CBC Accessibility Loaded ... In a resounding victory that is guaranteed to reshape Nepal's politics, rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah appeared headed for a landslide win in the South Asian country's first polls since youth-led protests toppled the previous government last fall. Salimah Shivji · CBC News ...

Nepal election 2026 results - follow live - BBC News

www.bbc.com
50%

The party of rapper-turned-mayor Balendra Shah has crushed Nepal's old guard in parliamentary election. The RSP's landslide victory shows that the issues raised by Gen Z in last year's protests - corruption, inequality and a revolving door of elite rules - has resonated across generations, ...

Is Nepal's ex-rapper mayor on track to be new PM? - BBC News

www.bbc.co.uk
50%

Votes are still being counted but rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah has taken a decisive early lead in Nepal's general election which would put him on track to become the country's next prime minister.

Nepal Election Results LIVE: Balen Shah defeats KP Sharma Oli in his constituency; PM Modi congratulates Nepal | World News – India TV

www.indiatvnews.com
50%

Rapper-turned-politician Balendra ... power in Nepal's parliamentary elections, capturing 18 seats outright and leading in 99 more, according to the latest Election Commission data. This breakthrough in the first polls since last year's deadly Gen Z protests signals a dramatic shift, challenging entrenched parties and positioning the anti-corruption upstart for a potential two-thirds majority in the 275-seat House of Representatives. Read all the Breaking News Live on ...

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