Balen Shah: Rapper to PM? Nepal's Election Tests New vs. Old Politics

• Balen Shah, former rapper and current Kathmandu Mayor, is central to Nepal's election, seen as a battle between old and new politics.
• The election follows 2025 youth movements that ousted K. P. Sharma Oli's government due to public anger over corruption, unemployment, and inflation.
• Approximately 1.9 crore voters, including many young first-timers, are challenging traditional leaders like Sher Bahadur Deuba.
• With 275 House of Representatives seats, 138 are needed for government; Balen Shah's associated groups could bring major political change.
• The election tests if the new generation can reshape Nepal's politics or if old structures will prevail.