In the dusty lanes of Damak, Nepal, an unprecedented political showdown is unfolding that could reshape the country's political landscape. The contest pits four-time former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli against 35-year-old rapper and current Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, known as Balen. Balen emerged as a nationally popular and unifying figure following last year's Gen-Z protests, which were met with police brutality and live fire from the government, resulting in over 70 deaths.

The youth protests in September last year against corruption and a social media ban brought down the Oli government, which had long been dogged by allegations of corruption, nepotism, and elitism. Balen was offered an interim leadership role after the protests but declined, opting instead for the democratic path through elections. As Parbat Basnet, a leader of the Damak protests, stated: "Balen showed he could transform governance as mayor. He could have accepted an unelected position of power after the protests, but he chose the democratic path."

For the 46% of Nepal's population under age 24, this week's polls are a crucial test of whether the frustrations that fueled the Gen-Z uprising can translate into sustained political change or whether the old guard will simply reclaim power. Basnet emphasized that the aftermath of the uprising is felt across generations in this election: "Earlier, leaders were treated like gods. Now people are demanding accountability."

This shift is most palpable in the Jhapa-5 constituency and its central city of Damak. This region has long been a stronghold for Oli and his Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). After Oli announced he would run again despite being ousted six months ago, Balen resigned as Kathmandu mayor and declared he would directly contest Oli's seat and run for prime minister.

Since then, Balen's status has soared, and the "Balen effect" has spread across Jhapa-5. At a Damak rally, huge crowds gathered on roads, balconies, rooftops, and trucks, surging to touch Balen as he emerged from his campaign vehicle in his signature black suit and sunglasses. Women who couldn't take selfies with him broke down in tears. As 23-year-old Sarita Baral noted, young people support Balen because they want change, job opportunities, and an end to corruption.

Source: www.theguardian.com