Ask Onix
Nepal heads to polls after government overthrow
Nepal will elect a new government on 5 March, marking the country's first general election since mass anti-corruption protests forced the previous administration from power in September 2025. Nearly 19 million voters are registered to cast ballots for the 275-seat House of Representatives, including 800,000 first-time participants.
Interim leadership and election timeline
Following the ousting of the last government, an interim administration led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki took charge. The caretaker government pledged to organize fresh elections and transfer power within six months. Polls will open at 07:00 local time (01:15 GMT) and close at 17:00, though some stations may extend hours to accommodate all voters.
Mixed electoral system explained
The election employs a dual voting mechanism introduced in Nepal's 2015 constitution. Under the First Past the Post (FPTP) system, 165 seats are awarded to candidates who secure the most votes in their constituencies. The remaining 110 seats are allocated through Proportional Representation (PR), which distributes seats based on a party's share of the national vote.
The hybrid model aims to balance direct representation with broader inclusivity, making it difficult for any single party to win an outright majority. Coalition governance is widely expected.
Key contenders and battlegrounds
Over 3,400 candidates are competing, with more than 1,000 under the age of 40. Among the most closely watched is Balendra Shah, the 35-year-old former mayor of Kathmandu and ex-rapper, who is challenging former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Jhapa 5-a constituency long dominated by Oli's Communist Party of Nepal (UML).
Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which finished fourth in the 2022 election, is projected to gain significant ground this year. Other major players include the Nepali Congress, now led by 49-year-old Gagan Thapa, and the Nepali Communist Party, headed by former Maoist leader Prachanda.
The 15 seats in the Kathmandu Valley are also under scrutiny, as they often reflect urban voter sentiment. Analysts suggest the outcome here could signal broader national trends.
Voter priorities and protest fallout
Last September's demonstrations, sparked by a social media ban but fueled by anger over corruption, unemployment, and economic stagnation, left 77 dead and saw government buildings torched. These issues now dominate the election discourse, with most parties emphasizing anti-corruption measures, job creation, and governance reforms in their manifestos.
The Nepali Congress, for instance, has proposed a high-level inquiry into the assets of public officials dating back to 1990. Other parties have echoed similar pledges to address public frustration.
Geopolitical stakes
Nepal's election carries regional implications. India, which has historically wielded significant influence in Nepali politics, is monitoring developments closely, particularly given its strained relations with former PM Oli, whom it views as pro-China. Beijing, meanwhile, seeks a government supportive of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other strategic interests.
The United States has also engaged in the election process, aligning its strategic objectives more closely with India's in recent years.
Results timeline and logistical challenges
The Election Commission has vowed to announce results for the 165 FPTP seats within 24 hours of ballot collection, a process that typically takes a full day. Counting for the 110 PR seats may extend the timeline by another two to three days, according to Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari.
This would mark a dramatic improvement over the 2022 election, when final results took over two weeks to emerge. Delays are often caused by Nepal's rugged terrain, which complicates ballot transport-some boxes must be carried by hand or airlifted. Disputes over vote validity by party representatives at counting centers have also historically slowed the process.
