Nepal began voting on Thursday in the country’s first elections since a dramatic youth-led uprising last year that toppled the government and reshaped the country’s political landscape.
The high-stakes poll comes after months of political unrest sparked by what many have called the “Generation Z revolution” — protests led largely by young Nepalis angry about corruption, unemployment and entrenched political cronyism.Across the Himalayan nation of about 30 million people, long queues lined up outside polling stations as security forces patrolled the streets. The authorities banned political vehicles and gatherings on election day to prevent unrest.
About 19 million voters are entitled to cast their ballots in the elections, which many consider a referendum on the political establishment that has dominated the country for decades.
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For many young voters, elections are deeply personal. Deepika Saro Magar, a 25-year-old student who traveled 16 hours from Kathmandu to cast her vote, participated in protests last year carrying a sign that read: “No more Avno Manch.” [nepotism]Hanson [pulling strings]Chablosi [bootlicking]”.
But despite the energy that drove the uprising, it remains cautious. “I feel that the new government may not be able to meet the expectations of the general public,” she said.Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who came out of retirement to lead the country after protests forced the previous government from power, urged voters to participate peacefully. “Every vote matters in determining our future,” the 73-year-old former Supreme Court chief said in a statement as voting began.
The Generation Z uprising that reshaped Nepal
These elections come on the heels of one of the most dramatic events in Nepal’s modern political history. In September 2025, young Nepalese poured into the streets of Kathmandu and other cities, initially protesting the government’s ban on social media.The demonstrations quickly expanded into a national movement against corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation. Protesters clashed with security forces, while crowds set fire to several government buildings including Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Central Secretariat.Authorities say 77 people were killed during the unrest, many of them protesters who were shot by police. The violence eventually led to the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and the dissolution of Parliament.
Millions vote in high-stakes poll
Thursday’s elections are being closely watched as a test of the ability of Nepal’s political system to respond to the anger that erupted last year.Nearly 18.9 million voters are registered – an increase of more than 900,000 since the last election in 2022.
More than half of them are between 18 and 40 years old, giving younger voters unprecedented influence over the outcome.6,541 candidates are competing for 275 seats in the House of Representatives. Of these seats, 165 are directly elected under a majority system, while the remaining 110 seats are allocated through proportional representation.
The rise of the rapper-turned-political rival
Among the most closely watched figures in the election is Balindra “Palin” Shah, the 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician and former mayor of Kathmandu.Shah became a national figure after his surprise victory in the 2022 mayoral race, and later emerged as a prominent voice during anti-government protests. By campaigning on promises to tackle corruption and improve education and health care, he presented himself as the face of political change.Shah, running under the banner of the Independent National Party, has attracted large crowds during his election campaign and strong support among young voters disillusioned with traditional parties.In one of the most symbolic contests of the election, Shah is challenging former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in an eastern constituency long considered an Oli stronghold.
The old parties are facing increasing popular anger
Despite growing support for new political forces, traditional parties in Nepal remain strong.The Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) continue to control loyal voter bases and entrenched party machinery.
They, along with other communist factions, have dominated Nepali politics for years.However, public frustration with corruption and political patronage has eroded trust in these parties. Many voters say the constant rotation of coalition governments has failed to provide economic opportunity or political stability.As one voter, IT professional Becky Shrestha, put it: “This election will decide whether my four-year-old son will live in Nepal or migrate to another country.
“We need change.”
Security concerns and logistical challenges
Due to the violence that occurred during last year’s protests, the authorities launched a large-scale security operation in preparation for the elections.More than 340,000 security personnel have been deployed across the country, including nearly 150,000 temporary “election police.” The use of vehicles has been prohibited on polling day, as have election campaign activities.Logistics also pose major challenges in the mountainous country.
Ballot boxes from remote areas often have to be carried by hand or transported by helicopter, which can delay the counting process.
What will happen next?
The Election Commission says results for directly elected seats could begin to appear within 24 hours of the start of vote counting. However, the proportional representation calculation may take several days.In the previous election in 2022, it took nearly two weeks to announce the final results due to logistical difficulties in collecting ballot papers across Nepal’s rugged terrain.Even once the results are announced, Nepal is unlikely to see a single party win a clear majority. This means that the next government will almost certainly be formed through coalition negotiations.Whoever emerges victorious will inherit a daunting list of challenges. The next administration will face pressure to investigate last year’s killings, tackle corruption and create economic opportunities for young Nepalese.
