Nepal's Gen Z Takes on Old Guard: Balen, Gagan Thapa Emerge as PM Faces Against Oli

Nepal’s political landscape is witnessing a generational shift as the March 5 general elections approach, with younger leaders challenging established veterans. While the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist, CPN-UML) has nominated 74-year-old former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli as its candidate, both the Nepali Congress (NC) and the newly formed Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP) have projected leaders under 50, signalling a surge of youth influence.

Gagan Thapa, 49, recently elected NC president, was named the party’s prime ministerial candidate by vice president Bishwo Prakash Sharma. Senior human rights activist Charan Prasai said, “Thapa represents the spirit of the Gen Z youths, and his election has completely changed the present election scenario.” However, Thapa faces a challenge from a faction led by former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba, which disputes the official recognition of Thapa’s leadership.

The RSP is fielding 35-year-old Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, the former mayor of Kathmandu and a former rapper-turned-politician. Shah, who gained national acclaim for urban reforms and city beautification, resigned as mayor to contest the parliamentary election from Jhapa-5, where he will face Oli, making the eastern Koshi province district a key battleground. Oli, a six-term parliamentarian, represents the conservative wing, while Balen embodies the emerging youth force.

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The elections are further shaped by the Gen Z movement, which holds Oli and then-home minister Ramesh Lekhak responsible for the violent crackdown last September that claimed 77 lives. Oli, who has previously taken oath as PM four times, fled his residence during those protests. Analysts warn that the upcoming parliamentary election could threaten Oli’s five-decade-long political career if Balen’s popularity continues to rise.

Other youthful candidates gaining traction include Kulman Ghising, chairman of the Ujyalo Nepal Party and former NEA chief credited with ending 16 hours of daily loadshedding, and Harka Sampang, mayor of Dharan Sub-metropolitan City, both attracting support from various Gen Z and ethnic voter groups.

With a clear youth surge challenging veteran leaders, Nepal’s general elections are poised to be a defining moment in the country’s political evolution, highlighting the growing influence of younger generations.

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