With 46% of Nepal’s population under the age of 24, the election will be a test of whether their hopes and frustrations are being taken seriously
In the unassuming, dusty lanes of the Nepali city of Damak, an unprecedented political showdown is unfolding. Pitting an old political heavyweight against a rapper-turned-politician with a penchant for dark sunglasses and sharp suits, the battle is one that could completely reshape the country’s politics.
As Nepal heads into its most gripping election in years, at the forefront stands Balendra Shah, the 35-year-old known simply as Balen. He rose to fame as a popular rapper whose songs criticised the ruling elite, before pivoting to politics and winning a resounding victory to become the mayor of Kathmandu in May 2022.
Written by Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Gaurav Pokharel in Damak
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/03/nepal-gen-z-election-popular-former-rapper-balen under the title “Nepal’s gen-Z election: can popular former rapper Balen topple a veteran political heavyweight?”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
