After a significant youth-led protest in Nepal last September resulted in the deaths of 77 individuals and the resignation of then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician known as Balen shared a brief message on social media addressing the younger generation. Balen, who gained political experience in 2022 by becoming the mayor of Kathmandu, is now on the verge of assuming the role of Nepal’s next prime minister following the recent election.
Early counting trends from the election commission indicate that Balen’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is leading in approximately 100 seats, significantly ahead of its competitors. Final results for the 165 directly elected seats and 110 proportional representation seats are expected to be announced in the coming days. The Nepali Congress, currently in second place, has conceded defeat, signaling that the RSP is likely to form the next government.
Bipin Adhikari, a constitutional law expert at Kathmandu University, highlighted Balen’s popularity by mentioning the presence of stickers on buses heading to Kathmandu with the phrase “Headed to Balen’s city”. Balen’s potential ascent to power represents a remarkable journey from a critic of the establishment through his rap music to a prominent political figure.
If elected, Balen could bring about significant changes to Nepal’s political landscape, which has been traditionally dominated by a few established parties. His appeal stems from his work as the mayor of Kathmandu, focusing on enhancing urban infrastructure and public services like healthcare. However, he has also faced criticism, including accusations of using police to confiscate property from street vendors and landless individuals.
Despite not responding to interview requests, Balen maintains a strong connection with the youth through his robust social media presence, boasting over 3.5 million followers on platforms like Facebook. His ability to communicate directly with young Nepalis through short messages on social media sets him apart from the older political elite in Nepal.
Born to a family with traditional roots, Balen’s early interest in poetry evolved into a passion for rap music, inspired by American artists such as Tupac Shakur and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. His socially conscious songs resonated with many in Nepal, where a significant portion of the population lives in poverty. Joining the RSP in December under the leadership of Rabi Lamichhane, Balen aims to address pressing issues like unemployment and low wages that have driven many Nepalis to seek work abroad.
The RSP’s manifesto includes ambitious goals such as creating 1.2 million jobs, reducing forced migration, doubling the nation’s economy, and providing universal healthcare insurance. Balen’s success as a potential prime minister will hinge on the team he assembles to reform a corrupt administrative system at the national level.
Independent political analyst Puranjan Acharya emphasized the importance of having a competent team to support Balen in his efforts to revamp the administrative structure. Without a capable team and expert support, his ability to effect meaningful change within the existing bureaucratic framework may be severely hindered.