Nepal Parliamentary Elections Campaign Launch

Nepali candidates have launched their campaigns for the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, the first since deadly anti-corruption protests toppled the previous government in 2025. The youth-led protests, triggered by a social media ban and fueled by economic stagnation, resulted in 77 deaths, injuries, and the burning of hundreds of buildings, including a Hilton hotel, and the ousting of 73-year-old Marxist leader K. P. Sharma Oli. Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki emphasized the election's importance for the country's future. A key election clash will see rapper-turned-mayor Balen Shah, representing youth-driven change and the Nepal===Rastriya Swatantra Party, face K. P. Sharma Oli. The Nepal===Nepali Congress, led by Gagan Thapa, is also in the race, alongside supporters of ex-king Gyanendra of Nepal and the Nepal===Rastriya Prajatantra Party. Nearly 19 million people are registered to vote for the 275-seat House of Representatives, with extra security forces deployed to ensure calm.