The old rapper Balen is running for prime minister in Nepal.

The old rapper Balen is running for prime minister in Nepal.

07.03.2026 22:06

Balendra Shah, an old rapper known by the nickname "Balen," is preparing to become the new prime minister of Nepal, a country in South Asia. Balen's party, RSP, won 73 out of 91 electoral constituencies where the counting has been completed in the general elections, and is leading in the remaining 49 constituencies.

Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, known by the nickname "Balen," is preparing to become the country's new prime minister as his party leads in the general elections.

WON 73 OUT OF 91 ELECTORAL DISTRICTS

According to the first official results, Balen's party RSP won 73 out of a total of 91 electoral districts where the counting has been completed. Additionally, the party is leading in the remaining 49 electoral districts. The 35-year-old former rap artist Balen was elected as the mayor of the capital Kathmandu in 2022. He resigned from this position last year to enter the prime ministerial race.

Former rapper Balen is preparing to become Nepal's new prime minister
Balendra Shah

CONGRATULATIONS FROM INDIAN PRIME MINISTER MODI

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the "successful and peaceful" elections in Nepal in a statement made through the US-based X company's social media platform. In his post, Modi stated, "As a close friend and neighbor, India will continue its commitment to working with the people of Nepal and the new government to elevate our shared peace, progress, and prosperity to new heights."

GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NEPAL

The people of Nepal went to the polls for general elections six months after the overthrow of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's government during violent protests in September 2025. With approximately 19 million registered voters in a country of about 30 million people, the public will determine the 275 members of the House of Representatives. The upper house, known as the "National Assembly," is determined by representatives elected from the lower house and provincial assemblies.

Former rapper Balen is preparing to become Nepal's new prime minister
KP Sharma Oli

PROTESTS IN NEPAL

On September 4, 2025, the government blocked Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, X, and other social media platforms, citing the lack of license applications. This decision led to large and violent protests led by the youth. Seventy-four people lost their lives during the demonstrations. As the violence of the protests escalated, attacks on the homes of political leaders and public buildings occurred during the resignation of many ministers.

Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025, and thousands of prisoners escaped from prisons. On September 12, 2025, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki began her duties as the interim prime minister.

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