Nepal’s Election Commission announced on Wednesday that 125 political parties have registered to participate in the country’s first parliamentary elections since a mass uprising in September 2025 toppled the government. The polls, scheduled for March 2026, mark a critical juncture for the Himalayan nation as it seeks to rebuild its political landscape. While many established parties are in the fray, the election also sees the emergence of new movements, particularly those spearheaded by youth activists who played a pivotal role in the anti-corruption protests earlier this year. Registration remains open until November 18, after which the final list of participating parties will be released. The September protests, initially sparked by a temporary social media ban, quickly escalated into a nationwide outcry against economic hardship and government corruption. The unrest resulted in violent clashes, claiming at least 73 lives and causing significant damage to government institutions. In the aftermath, former chief justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim prime minister to oversee the transition until elections. Despite the commission’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful and impartial election, deep public distrust of established parties poses a significant challenge to the credibility of the process. The political instability has further strained Nepal’s fragile economy, with the World Bank warning of a projected economic growth decline to 2.1 percent in 2026. With 82 percent of the workforce engaged in informal employment and a GDP per capita of $1,447 in 2024, the stakes for Nepal’s political and economic future remain high.