Jhapa (Nepal), March 2 – Nepal’s Jhapa-5 constituency, located close to the India border, is buzzing with activity this Monday, but if elections are about loud loudspeakers, street corner meetings, and aggressive street marches, the resulting commotion is comparatively less in the final hours before the campaign officially ends. Significantly, on March 5, Nepal’s former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is facing off against the formidable Gen Z icon, Balendra Shah.
However, in Damak, said to be one of the oldest municipalities in Jhapa district, some residents express excitement about the role they will play in determining the country’s fate when the national election takes place on Thursday, March 5.
Until now, the constituency has repeatedly returned former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to Parliament. Last September, the then-premier was forced to resign mid-term due to widespread protests by the Gen Z.
This time, he is facing his rival, Balendra Shah, a hugely popular rapper who has lent his support to the Gen Z movement, primarily aimed at protesting against alleged corruption and nepotism within the regime.
Parts of the local population are actively supporting the engineer-turned-rapper, who is credited with being the only independent candidate to become the Mayor of Kathmandu.
He resigned to challenge the former Prime Minister in his home constituency, Jhapa-5.
“He is our hope for the future,” exclaimed local resident Chhabilal, as a carcade led by Balendra Shah passed by. “It’s time for change,” he added.
However, Oli’s camp is not giving up without a fight, believing that the constituency's past history will ultimately play a role.
“He (Oli) is a seasoned politician; don’t assume he will be easily defeated,” said Sameer Pradhan, adding that “foreign hands” were trying to create unrest in the small Himalayan state.
He alleged that “neighboring countries” and “Western powers” were behind the claimed “disturbance”.
He asserted that the electors would remain loyal to the 74-year-old former Prime Minister, claiming that the constituency is a strong Communist stronghold.
“Oli has significant influence over a large portion of the electorate and has often achieved decisive victories in past elections. Therefore, he will pose a formidable challenge to the challenger,” he shared.
However, regional reports suggest that unlike earlier, Oli has not actively campaigned outside his constituency or along its fringes.
Such reports suggest a possible shift in election fortunes with a “swing vote” potentially favouring the younger opponent.
Meanwhile, Balendra Shah's supporters are heavily relying on Gen Z electors, who almost idolize the 35-year-old on social media. He was among their popular choices for interim Prime Minister, but excused himself, suggesting the name of Nepal's first female justice, Sushila Karki.
Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, currently represents the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and is now being projected as the future Prime Minister of Nepal.
Many of the people working for his victory are not members of the RSP, but call themselves "supporters" of the youth icon, as does Parbat Basnet, a 24-year-old rapper and social media activist.
“There are approximately 160,000 voters in the Jhapa-5 constituency, with roughly 20,000 representing the Gen Z,” he explained.
“We are expecting a voter turnout of around 62-63 percent on Thursday. Almost the entire group of young representatives is expected to exercise their franchise, and at least half of the older generation are looking for a change – for a clean and efficient government,” added Basnet.
This, he contended, would give his leader an overwhelming majority.
The youth icon himself remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, with a handful of close associates aware of his schedule details. Some claim that his daily itinerary is released late at night, adding to the veil of secrecy.
Meanwhile, India is closely monitoring the election process, considering that the country is a neighbor that has recently witnessed growing Chinese influence through its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
