Rapper-turned-mayor makes a shocking bid for Nepal’s leadership—will Gen Z’s protests spark chaos again?

KATHMANDU, Nepal — Polls opened Thursday in Nepal’s first nationwide election since last year’s violent, youth-led uprising forced the government from power. The election is highly anticipated, especially given the backdrop of turmoil that has significantly altered the political landscape in this Himalayan nation of about 30 million people.

As voters lined up to cast their ballots, security forces patrolled the streets and guarded polling stations across the country. Vote counting began later on Thursday, with results expected over the weekend. “There is huge excitement about this election among the people, and we anticipate the voter turnout to be at least 65 percent,” said Ram Prasad Bhandari, Nepal’s acting chief election commissioner.

Authorities have imposed restrictions on transportation and public gatherings, banned political rallies, and prohibited any campaigning on election day, ensuring a peaceful voting environment. Voters were eager to participate; many arrived at polling stations well before they opened at 7 a.m. “I am here to vote hoping to bring new changes in Nepal. That was what all of us are seeking, and that was what all the Gen Z revolt was about,” remarked 70-year-old painter Hari Sharan Giri.

Nearly 19 million citizens are eligible to vote, directly electing 165 members to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Parliament. The remaining 110 seats in the 275-member body will be filled through a proportional representation system, where political parties nominate lawmakers based on their share of the vote. This election is largely viewed as a three-way contest, shaped by widespread voter frustration over corruption and demands for increased governmental accountability.

The National Independent Party, founded in 2022, is emerging as a strong contender against two long-dominant parties: the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist). The party’s prime ministerial candidate, rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, won the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral race and became a prominent figure during the 2025 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli.

Shah, just 35 years old, has captured public sentiment by focusing on health and education reforms for underprivileged Nepalis during his campaign. His rise to prominence was fueled by public anger over traditional political parties and their handling of issues, particularly surrounding corruption and governance challenges. The protests that led to the 2025 uprising were triggered by a controversial social media ban, escalating into widespread demonstrations against the government, resulting in dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

While the Nepali Congress and the Communists maintain loyal voter bases, Shah’s party has been successful in drawing larger crowds on the campaign trail, underscoring its growing appeal to younger voters who are eager for change. Shah was among the first to arrive at a local polling station in Kathmandu, although he is contesting from a district in southeast Nepal against Oli.

The next administration will face significant challenges, including delivering on the demands articulated during last year’s protests, tackling deep-rooted corruption, and carefully managing relations with powerful neighbors, India and China. As Nepal navigates this pivotal moment, the outcomes of this election could determine the future direction of the country and its governance.