On March 6, 2026, Balendra Shah, a former rapper and current politician, emerged as the leading candidate in Nepal’s general election. Shah, who was the mayor of Kathmandu until January, is now on track to become the country’s next prime minister.
The election, held on Thursday, saw Shah competing against notable figures including KP Oli from the Communist Party of Nepal UML and Gagan Thapa from the Nepali Congress. As of Friday evening, Shah’s centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was ahead in more than two-thirds of the 165 directly elected seats, according to election officials.
Shah, popularly known as Balen, has gained significant support from Nepal’s youth, particularly following last year’s protests against corruption and economic stagnation. His candidacy represents a potential shift from the traditional political landscape dominated by coalition governments.
Despite his popularity, Shah has faced criticism for his past actions as mayor and his outspoken comments against former leaders. However, his supporters argue that his leadership could usher in a new era for Nepal.
The full election results are expected to take several days due to the challenging terrain of Nepal, which requires helicopters to collect ballots from remote areas. This election marks a significant moment in Nepal’s political history, with many citizens seeking new leadership and ideas.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 8, 2026
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