Voting began across Nepal on Thursday morning in a crucial parliamentary election that will determine the country’s next government. The election is widely viewed as pivotal as it comes after months of political turbulence and public protests led largely by younger voters demanding sweeping reforms.
Polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. local time and will close at 5:00 p.m., according to the Election Commission Nepal. Officials said 18,903,689 voters are eligible to cast ballots, including 9,663,358 men and 9,240,131 women.
The election will decide the composition of the 275-member House of Representatives of Nepal, the lower chamber of the federal parliament. Of these seats, 165 lawmakers will be elected through the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system, while 110 members will be chosen under the Proportional Representation (PR) system, a hybrid electoral model introduced under the 2015 constitution.
One of the most closely watched races is in Jhapa-5, where former prime minister KP Sharma Oli is contesting against former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah. The contest has drawn national attention as it pits an experienced political heavyweight against a popular independent figure associated with youth-driven political reform.
Oli, a senior leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), lost power following widespread protests led by Generation Z activists earlier this year. The demonstrations called for stronger anti-corruption measures, improved governance, job creation, and greater political accountability.
Under Nepal’s constitutional framework, the prime minister must be a member of the House of Representatives, making parliamentary victories critical for leaders seeking to head the next government.
The last parliamentary election was held in 2022, producing a fragmented mandate that resulted in shifting coalitions and political instability. The latest election is expected to reshape the country’s political landscape as voters seek stability and effective governance after the protests and months of uncertainty.
Nepal transitioned to a federal democratic republic following the abolition of the monarchy in 2008 and the adoption of a new constitution in 2015. However, frequent government changes and coalition disputes have continued to challenge political stability.
Economically, Nepal remains one of the lower-income countries in South Asia. The country’s per capita income stands at around $1,517, reflecting persistent structural challenges including limited industrialization, dependence on remittances, and vulnerability to external shocks.
Over the past decade (2014/15–2024/25), Nepal’s economy has grown at an average rate of around 4.2 percent. Despite the political unrest triggered by the Gen Z protest movement in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025/26, the overall economic outlook remains relatively stable.
According to recent projections, consumer price inflation is expected to remain around 4.0 percent, lower than the government’s annual projection of 5 percent. Meanwhile, economic growth is forecast at around 4.0 percent, which is below the government’s 6 percent target for the year.
Voters expect the new government to focus on improving the overall quality of life by ensuring good governance and maintaining strong control over corruption. People want the government to create more jobs and expand economic opportunities so that citizens can achieve financial stability and growth.
Farmers expect the timely availability of chemical fertilizers to support agricultural productivity, while students and families hope for quality and affordable education. At the same time, citizens want accessible and affordable healthcare services, a clean and reliable supply of tap water, and dependable public transportation systems.
Proper monitoring and regulation of markets to control prices is also a major expectation, as it would help protect consumers from inflation and unfair practices. Overall, voters hope the new government will work responsibly to build a fair, transparent, and prosperous society for everyone.
