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Hundreds of thousands leave Kathmandu to vote
Nearly 800,000 residents of Nepal's Kathmandu Valley have traveled to their hometowns in the past week to participate in Thursday's parliamentary elections, according to government officials.
The Valley, home to roughly 3 million people-about a tenth of Nepal's population-has seen an unprecedented outflow as voters return to their registered constituencies. Nepal's electoral law mandates in-person voting at birthplaces, barring citizens abroad from casting ballots.
Logistical challenges amid mountainous terrain
Images from the capital show congested highways packed with jeeps, minibuses, and vans ferrying voters. Traffic authorities reported multi-hour delays over the weekend, compounded by Nepal's rugged topography, where over 80% of the country consists of mountains.
The Election Commission has suspended all non-essential public and private transport from Wednesday until polls close Thursday, though flights remain operational. The government has also declared a three-day public holiday coinciding with the vote and the Hindu festival Holi.
Election follows youth-led protests
This vote marks Nepal's first since mass anti-corruption demonstrations in September 2025 forced the previous government from power. Nearly 19 million Nepalis-including nearly 1 million first-time voters-are eligible to elect 275 lawmakers, with 165 chosen through direct voting and the remainder via proportional representation.
Among the candidates, roughly one-third are under 40, reflecting a push for generational change. However, enthusiasm is divided.
Voters split on change vs. tradition
"I traveled 14 hours by bus to safeguard the constitution. My vote may not decide the winner, but it protects the system,"
Saroj Chapagain, 38, voter from Bardiya district
Others, like ophthalmologist Rabindra Singh Thakuri, oppose the influx of new faces. "My friends and I prefer established parties. A parliament dominated by newcomers won't guide the country forward," he told The Kathmandu Post.
Key races and high-profile contests
One of the most closely watched battles is in Jhapa-5, a traditional stronghold of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Ousted after last year's protests, Oli is now competing against ex-rapper Balendra Shah, whose provocative lyrics critiquing the political elite catapulted him to prominence.
