Rapper-Turned-PM Wins Nepal Election

0:00On this March 13th, here's what's shaping the world. A three-year-old political party in Nepal has won a massive victory in the general elections, securing 182 seats in the 200, 75 member parliament. This landslide positions Belinda Shah, the party's candidate and a former rapper-turned politician to become the next prime minister with a strong mandate to bring back stability. The vote on March 5th was the Himalayan nation's first since UFLED protests last September that killed 77 people and forced out the previous government. Those demonstrations started over a social media ban and grew into widespread unrest against corruption. Experts are hopeful this could lead to a stable government for five four years, ending the chaos of 32 government changes in just 35 years that have hurt the economy and scared off investors. Newly elected lawmakers from the winning party say the huge mandate makes them feel a deep sense of responsibility. The old guard took a big hit with the Nepali Congress party landing

1:02just 38 seats in second place and the Communist Party of former prime. Minister KP Sharma Oli getting only 25. Shah, who was once Kathmandu's mayor, rose to fame through his critical rap songs on social media. His party promises to fight corruption, create jobs, and more than double Nepal's 42 billion dollar economy in five years. Still, a key leader faces charges over misused funds from small savings companies, though he denies it and is out on bail. This story is made possible by our sponsor, see the episode description. A pillow that plays your podcasts, music, or white noise privately. No earbuds required. S-O-L-I-SoliPillo.com