Nepal Holds General Election Six Months After Govt Collapse

Nepal is holding general elections today, six months after a youth-led "Gen-Z" movement toppled the previous government. Polling began at 7:00 AM local time on Thursday (March 5) and is scheduled to conclude at 5:00 PM.

The Election Commission confirmed that 3,406 candidates are contesting 165 direct seats in the House of Representatives, while others vie for 110 proportional representation seats. Notably, over 1,000 candidates are under the age of 40, reflecting the political awakening of the country’s youth.

Of the 18.9 million registered voters, approximately 800,000 are first-time participants. This electorate will decide the 275 members of the next parliament.

Security is tight across the country. While most stations close at 5:00 PM, the Election Commission noted that voting may extend in certain remote areas to ensure all citizens can participate.

These snap polls follow the collapse of the K.P. Sharma Oli-led government in September 2025. Massive protests, triggered by a social media ban and long-standing grievances over corruption and unemployment, resulted in the deaths of at least 76 people and led to the appointment of an interim administration under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.