Datanomics: The age divide in politics as Nepal readies youngest PM

Balendra Shah's rise at 35 highlights a growing generational shift in politics even as South Asia and India remain dominated by older leaders

Balendra Shah is set to become Nepal's Prime Minister at 35. He will be the youngest head of government in South Asia and among the youngest in the world.

 

His rise — propelled by Gen Z protests that ousted four-time Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli — signals a generational shift in South Asia, which is otherwise dominated by senior leaders. 

 

Seniors lead South Asia

 

In South Asia, only two leaders are below 40 — Nepal's Balendra Shah and Afghanistan's Ahmad Massoud. 

 

Youth or experience?

 

At 93, Paul Biya has ruled Cameroon for 50 years, the longest tenure of any current world leader.  

 

Young India, ageing Lok Sabha

 

In 1952, one in six Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Lok Sabha was below 35. By 2024, that figure had fallen to one in 21, with the average age hitting a high of 56, 10 years higher than it was 72 years ago.