Nepal stands at a critical political juncture as it prepares for landmark parliamentary elections on March 5th, marking the first national vote since mass anti-corruption protests overthrew the government in September 2025. Approximately 19 million registered voters—including 800,000 first-time participants—will determine the composition of the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Nepal’s parliament.
The electoral process employs a mixed voting system established by the 2015 constitution, combining First Past The Post (FPTP) for 165 seats and Proportional Representation (PR) for 110 seats. This dual approach ensures broader political inclusion while making outright majority victories unlikely, necessitating coalition governance. Polling stations will open at 07:00 local time (01:15 GMT) with extensions anticipated in remote constituencies.
This election emerges from six months of interim governance under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who assumed power following violent demonstrations that claimed 77 lives and saw protesters burn parliamentary buildings, the Supreme Court, and government secretariats. The unrest, initially sparked by social media restrictions, evolved into widespread anger against systemic corruption, unemployment, and economic stagnation.
Key contenders include the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former Kathmandu mayor and prime ministerial candidate Balendra Shah—a 35-year-old ex-rapper challenging former PM KP Sharma Oli in his traditional Jhapa 5 stronghold. The Nepali Congress, now under 49-year-old Gagan Thapa’s leadership, and Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal UML also feature prominently among the 3,400 candidates, over 1,000 of whom are under 40.
Geopolitical dimensions add complexity, with neighboring India monitoring developments closely given historical tensions with Oli, who cultivated stronger ties with China during his premiership. China watches for continued support of its Belt and Road Initiative, while the United States aligns strategically with Indian interests.
The Election Commission promises unprecedented efficiency, projecting FPTP results within 24 hours of ballot collection—a dramatic improvement from the 2022 election’s two-week delay. However, logistical challenges in mountainous regions and potential disputes at counting centers may prolong the PR results announcement by 2-3 days.