Nepals Balen Shah considered for countrys top political post

Nepal’s Former Mayor Enters Politics with Parliamentary Elections

Balen, a 35-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu, is set to contest the parliamentary elections from Jhapa-5. He won the post of mayor in May 2022 while running as an independent candidate and gained popularity among young Nepalis for his rap music and outspoken style.

In September 2025, Balen emerged as a supporter of protesters against the government led by then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. However, he instead backed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki for the interim leadership position. Now, with Karki’s term ending, Balen is positioning himself as a potential future prime minister.

Balen will be contesting against Oli from Jhapa-5, a seat approximately 300km southeast of Kathmandu. The region is traditionally strongholds of Oli and the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). Balen is running as a candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a centrist party formed less than four years ago.

Balen’s public communication style has sparked criticism, with some questioning his readiness for high office. However, he gained popularity among young Nepalis for his bold and confrontational approach to politics. Observers note that Balen represents a breath of fresh air in Nepal, where the majority of the population is under 35 but the leadership of major parties is largely in their 70s.

Balen has been involved in several high-profile incidents, including lashing out at foreign nations and political parties on social media. He quit as mayor in January to join the RSP, one of the parties he previously criticized. Balen recently rejected an invitation for a public debate with Oli, instead calling on him to acknowledge his role in the deaths of civilians during the Gen Z protests in September.

Balen’s candidacy has generated significant attention, particularly among young Nepalis who see him as a decisive actor and a fresh face in politics.

Source: Al Jazeera