New Delhi, March 19: The rise of Gen Z in Nepal has triggered a historic shift in the country’s political landscape. According to a recent report, the latest election results have defied all predictions, with Balendra Shah’s popularity and his party, the National Independent Party (RSP), securing nearly a two-thirds majority, thereby altering the political equations in the nation.
The report highlights that since the establishment of democracy in 2008, traditional parties such as the Nepali Congress, the Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre), and the Nepal Communist Party (UML) have dominated Nepal’s politics. Key leaders from these parties include Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), and K.P. Sharma Oli.
Balendra Shah, known as Balen, is an engineer and rapper who entered politics by winning the Kathmandu mayoral election as an independent candidate in 2022. With just three years of experience and no backing from a political family or strong party, he has made history as a candidate for the Prime Minister’s position and is on track to become the youngest Prime Minister.
The report indicates that such a mandate in a country marked by ethnic, regional, and religious divisions demonstrates that issue-based politics can unite the populace.
It also notes that no party in Nepal has previously achieved a clear majority, leading to political instability due to coalition governments. However, this recent mandate appears to break that tradition.
According to the report, the opposition will now be compelled to play its role as the opposition, potentially ending the need for compromise in government formation.
This transformation in Nepal is drawing attention across South Asia, with countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka already witnessing changes, while political waves may also emerge in Pakistan and the Maldives.