Rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah defeated former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli by a wide margin in the Jhapa-5 constituency. The event sparked major political upheaval in Nepal. Shah secured 68,348 votes, while Oli, who secured 18,734 votes, fell far behind. 

This is the first election in Nepal since the Gen-G youth-led uprising. The election results reflect deep frustration with decades of political instability, corruption and youth unemployment. After years of party dominance in Nepali politics, voters have sounded the alarm for change. Nepali voters are not just switching parties, they are also replacing old leaders tainted by allegations of corruption and political impunity.

Last year, youth took to the streets to protest against the then government’s ban on social media sites, as well as major issues such as corruption and nepotism among Nepal’s political elite. The protests plunged the country into a storm of violence, in which 76 people were killed and many injured. Parliament, courts and government buildings were set on fire, and after four days of power vacuum, Prime Minister Sushila Karki took over the reins of an interim government. Despite various doubts and fears, the Karki-led cabinet, security agencies and the Election Commission conducted the election in a fearless atmosphere. 

Nepal has been struggling with political instability for decades. Since 2008, the country has seen 14 different governments change, none of which have completed a full five-year term. Corruption has entered every level of politics, which has pushed the economy back for years. According to Transparency International, Nepal is one of the most corrupt countries in Asia.

Youth unemployment is around 20 percent. The lack of employment in the country has forced millions of young people to emigrate. To get a job here, one had to be a party worker or close to a leader. Various corruption scandals come to light, but no action is taken. The people were already tired of all this chaos, chaos and misrule. 

Now the real test for Balen Shah and his party is to translate these initial public hopes into lasting change. The people have sought change and stability in the country, and the challenge for the new government is to deliver on that. 

The appeal of the National Independent Party has always been based on practicality rather than ideology. As mayor, Balen Shah successfully demolished commercial and residential buildings built without permits. He widened the sidewalks of major cities in Kathmandu, a significant step for the convenience of the general public. Balen's administration efficiently managed garbage collection and implemented several measures to improve sanitation, including daily street cleaning and maintenance. He must now take this practice forward at the national level. 

The National Independent Party must prioritize the basic demands of the people. They must actually build infrastructure that connects villages to markets. The new government must ruthlessly launch an anti-corruption campaign. Various corruption cases must be investigated and strict action taken against the guilty. The government must seriously invest in education and skills so that the youth do not go abroad. Now the right person should be in the right place. The practice of getting a job or work based on someone's proximity and acquaintances should be stopped. The next government should also keep its foreign policy practical. It should build good relations with both neighbors without allowing anyone to dominate. Respectful relations should be maintained with neighboring countries.