Balen Shah, the rapper who transitioned into politics, has successfully guided his party to a remarkable victory in the Nepal elections

Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party achieves a significant election victory, breaking decades of establishment control and marking the beginning of a new political era.

Nepal is embarking on a new and unpredictable political chapter following a landmark election outcome that has significantly transformed the nation’s political scene.

The four-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra “Balen” Shah, has achieved a remarkable majority—an accomplishment that many analysts deemed unlikely within Nepal’s intricate dual-election framework.

The triumph marks a clear dismissal of Nepal’s historically prevailing political establishment. A significant moment of the election occurred when Shah triumphed over former prime minister KP Sharma Oli in Jhapa-5, a constituency that has long been regarded as one of Oli’s strongest political strongholds.

Throughout the nation, RSP supporters assert that the outcome signifies an increasing discontent with years of perceived corruption, political inertia, and ineffective governance.

“Balen symbolizes the promise of a fresh political culture,” stated Jhapa-5 voter Ispa Sapkota.

Nonetheless, the overwhelming victory also propels Nepal into mostly unexplored territory. The RSP is a relatively new party with limited experience in governance, but it now confronts significant public expectations for swift reforms, particularly in areas such as economic development, anti-corruption measures, and improved public services.

At the age of 35, Shah possesses three years of political experience, having served as the mayor of Kathmandu. For numerous voters, his relative inexperience serves not as a weakness but as a representation of change from the country’s longstanding political elite that has held power for decades.

Nonetheless, Shah’s tenure as mayor has encountered scrutiny. Concerns have been previously expressed by human rights groups regarding the administration’s deployment of police against street vendors in efforts to clear roads and regulate unlicensed businesses in the capital.

According to Human Rights Watch, such actions frequently indicate the pressure that new leaders encounter to show immediate results.

“We anticipate that as prime minister, there will be an increased emphasis on governance that adheres to established rules,” stated Meenakshi Ganguly of Human Rights Watch’s Asia Division.

A key focus of the RSP’s agenda is addressing corruption. The party has committed to examining the assets amassed by politicians since the 1990s and to nationalizing properties obtained unlawfully. The plan includes comprehensive reforms of Nepal’s judiciary, such as eliminating political appointments of judges and considering live-streamed court proceedings to enhance transparency.

Bipin Adhikari, a constitutional expert, is of the opinion that Nepal’s institutions have the potential to aid in the implementation of these reforms.

Politics has influenced the civil service for years, he stated. “Frustration is mounting within the bureaucracy, and numerous officials are eager for change.”

RSP leaders indicate that they are in the process of developing strategies to foster collaboration within the civil service, which may include initiatives such as team-building workshops and cross-departmental projects to enhance communication and cooperation among officials. Shishir Khanal, the newly elected MP, announced that the party plans to introduce legislation aimed at reforming the payment and promotion structure for civil servants, with the goal of establishing more robust performance incentives.

Another key focus is economic reform. Young Nepalis, confronted with restricted job prospects domestically, have invested considerable hope in the new government. Youth unemployment is approximately 20%, with nearly three million Nepalis employed abroad at present.

“We are unable to find jobs here,” Sapkota stated. “The issue of brain drain is emerging as one of the most significant challenges facing our country.”

The RSP manifesto pledges to enhance Nepal’s economy by 7% each year, with the goal of transforming the nation into a $100 billion economy in the next five to seven years. Nevertheless, certain economists caution that these targets could be excessively ambitious.

World Bank data predicts an approximate 4.6% growth in Nepal’s economy in 2025. However, projections indicate that growth may slow in the future due to persistent political instability, a decrease in tourism, and recurring natural disasters.

A further issue is Nepal’s significant reliance on remittances. Over a quarter of the nation’s GDP is derived from remittances sent back by workers overseas, a significant number of whom are employed in the Middle East.

Nishchal N. Pandey, director of the Centre for South Asian Studies in Nepal, warns that regional conflicts may jeopardize this crucial economic lifeline.

He cautioned that if remittances suffer, Nepal could face significant economic challenges.

RSP leaders continue to express a sense of optimism. Khanal contends that minimizing bureaucratic obstacles and streamlining regulations may foster investment and entrepreneurship.

“We can immediately scrap or reform two dozen outdated laws,” he stated. “Currently, establishing a company involves dealing with various departments.”

Even with the party’s significant triumph, there could be internal difficulties that arise. The RSP’s MPs hail from a variety of professional backgrounds, with many being newcomers to the political arena, which raises questions regarding their potential unity in parliament.

Adhikari asserts that overseeing internal discipline may emerge as one of the most significant challenges for the government.

“They are inexperienced in statecraft and may soon cultivate personal ambitions,” he stated.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the strength of the opposition. As the RSP takes a commanding presence in parliament, there are concerns among analysts that insufficient oversight may jeopardize democratic accountability, particularly if independent institutions do not hold the government accountable.

Nepal’s international relations demonstrate a delicate equilibrium. The nation is positioned between two formidable neighbors, India and China, each wielding considerable influence in the area.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his congratulations to Shah and RSP president Rabi Lamichhane on their electoral victory, emphasizing the significance of the relationship between the two nations.

Nepal has traditionally adhered to a stance of neutrality, striving to sustain balanced relations with both Beijing and New Delhi.

RSP leaders affirm that this approach will persist. The party has dismissed the idea of joining any security alliances and emphasizes that Nepal will uphold its independent foreign policy.

At the same time, the United States is attentively monitoring developments, considering its strategic interests in South Asia and worries regarding China’s growing influence in the region, particularly in relation to how Nepal’s independent foreign policy may affect regional stability and alliances.

Nepal’s voters, particularly the younger citizens, are paying close attention for the time being. A significant number of people think this election offers a unique chance to redefine the nation’s political landscape.