A famous former Nepali rapper is preparing to run for Prime Minister in the upcoming important parliamentary election, challenging traditional parties. According to media reports, 2 influential figures have formed a coalition ahead of the election.
Mr. Balendra Shah, commonly known as Balen, a former rapper who moved to become Mayor of Kathmandu, joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party, also known as the national independent party, led by Rabi Lamichhane.
According to the agreement between the two sides, Mr. Balen, 35, will become Prime Minister if the Rastriya Swatantra Party wins the parliamentary election scheduled for March, while Mr. Lamichhane continues to hold the leadership role of the party.
Both declared they would respond to the demands of the widespread anti-corruption protest movement. The September protests killed 77 people and led to the resignation of then Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
Mr. Balen contributed to forming the interim government headed by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to oversee the elections.
Analyst Bipin Adhikari said that bringing Mr. Balen into the party is a strategic step. According to him, traditional political parties are under great pressure as they worry about gradually losing young voters to this emerging force.
The Election Commission said nearly 19 million out of a total of 30 million Nepalese people are eligible to vote.
