Nepal’s prime ministerial race is starting to take shape ahead of a crucial national election, featuring candidates with diverse political backgrounds.
The roster includes a former rapper-turned-mayor, a reformist leader and a seasoned communist strongman seeking political redemption.
The polling comes after months of political turmoil that overthrew a government, revealing widespread anger at censorship, corruption, and political elitism.
The next leader will become Nepal’s 16th prime minister in under 20 years.
Balendra Shah
Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, is the most anticipated candidate for the upcoming polls.
A former rapper and structural engineer, Shah rose to prominence after he was elected the mayor of Kathmandu city in 2022.
Shah, 35, identifies himself as a voice for the urban poor and disillusioned youths who are tired of traditional politics.
“I am not taking the easy way out,” Shah told AFP during an interview.
He said that his candidacy “demonstrates that, despite the problems or betrayals that have affected the country, we are moving toward addressing them.”
Despite being criticised for his machismo style of leadership, he is known for his hands-on approach to local governance, often appearing personally to check project implementations in Kathmandu city.
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Gagan Thapa
Gagan Thapa, 49, is the newly elected leader of the Nepali Congress, the oldest democratic party in Nepal.
His ambitions include a comprehensive political reform that promotes transparency, government accountability, and ends corruption.
“We have to change the leadership of major (political) parties,” he said, signalling his desire for major political reforms from the national to the federal level.
“For decades, two to three old-aged men were running it (the country) like a club, dominating and slowly limiting our democracy by power sharing with each other,” said Thapa.
“That devastated our government.”
However, considering his party’s role in the government that fell during the September 2025 youth-led protests, Thapa faces a challenge to convince the voters that internal reform is possible with his leadership.
KP Sharma Oli
The third major contender is ousted prime minister and communist veteran, KP Sharma Oli.
Oli, 74, was overthrown during the September 2025 youth-led uprising following a controversial social media ban and corruption allegations against his administration.
His election manifesto includes 42 points focusing on good governance, anti-corruption, nationalism, and infrastructure development.
He is now eyeing a political comeback with an emphasis on economic revival and stability through his political experience.
“My remaining days are fewer than the days I have lived.”
“I am fighting for those whose remaining days are greater,” said Oli, promising to pave the way for the future generation.
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