Election fever peaks in Jhapa-5 as Balen challenges Oli

<p><b>KAKARVITTA BORDER (Nepal),:</b> Election fever is rising in Nepal, with the growing popularity of Balen Shah drawing large public attention as voters prepare to “ring the bell” this time.</p><p>Eastern Nepal’s Jhapa-5 constituency has emerged as one of the most discussed constituencies in national and international media, as Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and former Prime Minister K. P. Oli are contesting from the same seat.</p><p>Following the recent Gen-Z-led movement in Nepal, a large section of youth voters are demanding a change in government and expressing support for Balen as a potential national leader.</p><p>Political observers believe Jhapa-5 could play a decisive role in shaping Nepal’s political future, as it is emerging as one of the most closely watched electoral battlegrounds in the country.</p><p>Unisha Deuja, a student from Birtamode, said, “This time change is necessary. Enough is enough. We want a new and young face to lead Nepal. Let’s ring the bell and build a new nation. The red sun did not rise because of the corrupt old faces.”</p><p>For the first time in Nepal’s electoral history, two prime ministerial contenders are facing each other head-to-head in Jhapa-5, turning it into a focal political battleground.</p><p>The popularity of Balen Shah appears particularly strong in Jhapa, where he is challenging veteran Marxist leader K. P. Oli, who has served four terms as Prime Minister. Many young voters, especially from towns and urban areas, are openly backing Balen, saying they want to see him as Nepal’s next Prime Minister.</p><p>Kalpana Sapkota, a businesswoman from Damak, said the enthusiasm for Balen is visible across age groups. “The youth-led protests against Oli in September created a strong wave. The demonstrations began under the Gen-Z movement and were fueled by wider public anger nationwide,” she said.</p><p>Political journalist Binu Subedi observed, “There is a clear shift in the mood of the voters. It is being portrayed as a fight between the old and the new.”</p><p>Robin Shrestha, 24, representing Gen-Z voters, said, “Oli has grown old and seems more concerned about himself and his close circle. If the new party wins, it will bring hope and reforms.”</p><div><br></div>

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