Nepal holds its first general election since Generation Z-led protests toppled PM KP Sharma Oli’s government in September 2025, with nearly 19 million voters choosing 275 House of Representatives members today, March 5, 2026.
Post-Protest Power Shift
The uprising—sparked by corruption scandals and youth unemployment—killed 19 protesters, forcing Oli’s resignation and Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s brief interim rule before snap polls announcement. Over 800,000 first-time Gen Z voters (18-25) could reshape politics after 3,400+ candidates from 68 parties contest 165 FPTP seats plus 110 PR nationwide.
Key contenders: Nepali Congress (88 seats), UML (79), Maoist Centre (32), rising Rastriya Swatantra Party.
Voting Logistics
Polling across 165 constituencies ends 5 PM; FPTP results expected within 24 hours, PR tallies 2-3 days via Election Commission’s real-time dashboard. Silence period enforces calm; provincial polls deferred as assemblies intact.
Regional Watch
India monitors neighbor’s stability amid West Asia war (Hormuz ships trapped, rupee at 92), rupee volatility, Arsenal’s PL surge. Kathmandu’s outcome impacts trade, migration, hydropower ties.
