Three Candidates Compete for Nepal’s Top Job After Deadly Government Uprising

Nepal prepares for its first national election following violent demonstrations that toppled the previous government and left dozens dead. Three distinct candidates are vying to become the country's 16th prime minister in under 20 years, highlighting ongoing political turmoil in the Himalayan nation.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Three vastly different candidates are competing to lead Nepal in the country’s first national election since violent demonstrations forced out the previous government last September, leaving dozens dead.

The contenders include a former hip-hop artist turned mayor, a youthful politician leading Nepal’s most established party, and a seasoned communist official seeking to reclaim power after being driven from office during the deadly youth uprising.

The victor will become Nepal’s 16th prime minister in fewer than 20 years, highlighting the ongoing political turmoil that has plagued the Himalayan country since ending its monarchy in 2008.

Last year’s demonstrations exposed deep frustration among Nepal’s youth over widespread corruption and limited opportunities in a nation where approximately 20% of young people lack employment, while politicians’ children appear to live lavishly with numerous privileges.

Following public anger that forced the government’s collapse, millions of Nepali citizens are preparing to choose representatives for the House of Representatives, parliament’s influential lower house. The future prime minister will need to secure a majority within this chamber.

Balendra Shah, commonly called Balen, leads the race after becoming a campaign sensation. The 35-year-old served as Kathmandu’s mayor in 2022 before stepping down to pursue the National Independent Party’s prime ministerial nomination.

Shah studied structural engineering before achieving recognition as a rapper, incorporating social and political themes into his music.

Wearing his characteristic black clothing and sunglasses, Shah has traveled nationwide to enthusiastic crowds of supporters who gather to demonstrate their backing for him and his movement.

Shah captured Kathmandu’s mayoral position as an independent candidate, benefiting from widespread dissatisfaction with established political organizations. He earned recognition for removing unauthorized street vendors, addressing the capital’s persistent waste management crisis, and expanding roadways, though he also faced backlash for demolishing buildings and homes without sufficient planning or warning.

“Our agenda is that the poor people who have no money in their pockets should get a full education. The poor people with empty pockets should get access to the health facilities. That is our agenda,” he stated to supporters in western Nepal recently.

Gagan Thapa represents another option as the recently appointed head of the Nepali Congress, the nation’s oldest major political organization and a liberal democratic party maintaining strong connections with India.

Thapa, 49, had long been viewed as a promising figure within the Nepali Congress but was constrained by veteran party leadership until this year, when he successfully challenged the establishment and won election as party leader.

While the Nepali Congress maintains popularity, it participated in the previous coalition government that youth protesters forced from power in September. The youth-driven demonstrations began over social media restrictions before expanding into widespread government opposition. Dozens died and hundreds sustained injuries when demonstrators stormed government facilities and police responded with gunfire.

Thapa pledges his primary goal would involve eliminating corruption from Nepal within five years while ensuring complete government transparency to citizens.

The third candidate is Khadga Prasad Oli, the divisive yet influential communist politician who headed the coalition government removed from power last year. Many blame him for the fatalities during the violent demonstrations that ended his tenure.

Despite facing criticism over his response to last year’s protests, Oli retains backing within the Communist Party and among numerous supporters.

Oli consistently maintains that consistent policies and governance are vital for Nepal, emphasizing that economic development requires political stability.

Oli’s reputation reached its peak when he resisted an economic embargo imposed by neighboring India in 2015, which created shortages of fuel, medical supplies, and other essential goods.

Nepal sits between regional powers India and China, with both nations actively seeking influence over their smaller neighbor. Thapa’s organization traditionally aligns with India, while Oli’s communist factions are considered more favorable toward China.