Nepal's political situation

Former rapper wants to become Nepal's prime minister

Former rapper Balendra Shah has become a central figure ahead of Nepal's parliamentary elections tomorrow, reports AP. Shah, 35, won the 2022 mayoral election in Kathmandu and is now leading his own party, the National Independent Party, in the fight for the post of prime minister.

Critics, however, question his experience and describe him as populist. As mayor, he was criticized for demolitions of housing without sufficient planning, but his supporters say he represents a new political leadership in a country tired of old rulers.

At least 77 people were killed and the government was overthrown in violent protests in Nepal in September. Former protesters have given their support to new candidates who demand change and refer to the Gen Z movement, according to AFP.

After the protests – now Nepal's young people want to be heard

The extensive and violent so-called Gen Z protests in Nepal last autumn succeeded in forcing a new election. Now the country's young people hope that the next government will heed their demands, after tomorrow's elections, writes AFP.

- The candidates I support are those who I believe can carry forward the spirit of our movement, says Ban, who works to get young people to vote.

22-year-old Astha Basnet says that those who will govern the country after the elections will not be able to ignore the younger generation. She also says that there is now an increased political awareness among young people.

At the same time, others warn that the risks of those who are heard and seen most on social media, for example, receiving many votes, regardless of competence, and that experience should not be underestimated.

- We must be critical, we must elect people who take our mandate forward, says 21-year-old Riyab Baniya.

Nepal's Gen Z protests — the issue

• The protests in Nepal began after the government banned 26 social media sites on September 4, according to international media.
• The demonstrations, led by young people, quickly escalated into mass protests against corruption and political discontent
• At least 51 people were killed and hundreds injured when police and military forces were deployed against protesters in Kathmandu.
• The government lifted the social media ban and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, but the protests continued and government buildings were set on fire.
• Sushila Karki was appointed as the new interim prime minister after the crisis, pending new elections