Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah defeats former Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli in parliamentary race

Kathmandu – Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician, has secured a significant victory over former prime minister KP Sharma Oli in their parliamentary constituency, according to election officials. Shah, 35, celebrated the win on Saturday by flashing a victory sign as the Election Commission confirmed the results.

Shah, who is widely known as “Balen,” is the capital’s former mayor and a first-time parliamentary lawmaker. His party appears to be on track for a sweeping victory across the country. The contest between Shah and the 74-year-old Marxist leader Oli was closely watched, marking a dramatic shift in Nepal’s political landscape.

Shah received more than three times the number of votes compared to Oli, who has served as Nepal’s prime minister four times. Following the announcement, Shah toured his new constituency, wearing his trademark dark sunglasses and greeting supporters from the sunroof of a car. Crowds gathered along the streets, chanting his name in celebration. Shah did not deliver a speech during the victory parade.

The parliamentary election took place on Thursday, just six months after protests led to the downfall of Oli’s government. The unrest, which resulted in at least 77 fatalities, set the stage for this high-stakes vote. Shah’s victory is seen as one of the most notable outcomes in recent Nepali politics, highlighting a shift towards new leadership in the country.