Balen Shah Set To Become Nepal’s PM As Election Results Shock Veteran Leaders

Kathmandu: The counting of votes for the general elections in Nepal is currently going on and looking at the initial trends, it seems that there is going to be a big upheaval in politics. The old big parties seem to be being left behind, while new faces and new parties have come forward. Especially the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the party of former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen), has done wonders.

What are the initial trends indicating? 

In the initial data of vote counting, Balen Shah's party RSP is leading in many seats. According to reports, out of 165 directly elected seats, RSP has won 18-20 seats and is leading in more than 95-100. At some places their lead is very comfortable. If this trend continues then a majority government can be formed in the Parliament of Nepal, which has not happened in the last several years. These trends show that young voters have rejected the old politics.

How many seats are there in the Parliament of Nepal?

There are a total of 275 seats in the House of Representatives (Lower House) of Nepal. Of these, 165 seats are filled by direct election – one candidate from each region. The remaining 110 seats are obtained through proportional representation, where parties are given seats according to the votes. Right now everyone's eyes are on those 165 direct seats because only these give a clear picture. Complete counting of votes will take some time, especially due to delay in arrival of ballot boxes from hilly areas.

Who is Balendra Shah?

Balen Shah, i.e. Balendra, is 35 years old. First he was a rapper, then he became an engineer and was elected mayor of Kathmandu in 2022. He is very popular among the youth. He speaks against corruption and talks about change. His party RSP is only three-four years old, but this time the young voters supported him a lot. At many places their candidates are defeating the old parties. Balen himself is leading in his seat, even giving competition or leading to former PM KP Sharma Oli.

How are the old parties?

Old big parties like Nepali Congress, CPN-UML (KP Oli's party) and Maoists seem to be lagging behind badly this time. Nepali Congress is ahead only on some seats, Oli's party is on the verge of defeat in many places. Oli himself is struggling on his seat. All this seems to be the effect of last year's mass movement (Gen Z Protest), where the youth toppled the old government.

When will the counting of votes be completed?

The Election Commission is saying that it is taking time for boxes to arrive from far-flung areas, so the complete counting may take 2-3 days. Some reports say that the results of 165 seats may come soon, but for proportional seats, we will have to wait longer. Only after the final results come, it will be clear who will form the next government – ​​but right now Balen Shah's party looks the strongest.

Why is this election so special?

There were massive protests in September last year, with Gen Z taking to the streets to topple the government. There was anger against corruption, unemployment and inflation. This election is being considered as a test of that change. Young voters have shown that they are now bored with the old parties. If RSP brings majority, new generation politics can start in Nepal.