In Kathmandu Nepal has begun voting in a pivotal general election that marks the country’s first nationwide poll since massive youth‑led protests last year forced the resignation of the government and reshaped the nation’s political landscape.
Nearly six months after demonstrations erupted originally sparked by a controversial social media ban and galvanized by broader frustrations over corruption, unemployment and entrenched political stagnation millions of Nepalis are heading to more than 23,000 polling stations across the Himalayan nation of about 30 million people.
Security has been stepped up nationwide, with more than 300,000 troops and police deployed to ensure peaceful voting, election officials said. Voters started lining up early Thursday morning as polls opened at 7 a.m. (local time) and will remain open until 5 p.m. Counting of votes begins shortly after ballots are collected.
About 19 million eligible voters are choosing 275 members of the House of Representatives165 through direct ballots and 110 through proportional representation from more than 3,400 candidates representing 65 political parties.
A Struggle Between Old Guard and New Voices
The election is widely seen as a referendum on Nepal’s future direction. Long‑dominant parties such as the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist‑Leninist) and the Nepali Congress face strong challenges from newer movements backed by younger voters.
One of the most notable contenders is Balendra Shah, a 35‑year‑old rapper‑turned‑politician and candidate for the Rastriya Swatantra Party, who has gained traction by promising reforms on corruption, job creation, and accountability key issues raised during last year’s protests.
Driven by Youth and Calls for Reform
Analysts say the youth vote could be decisive, with many young Nepalis hoping this poll will deliver long‑sought changes after months of unrest that claimed dozens of lives and briefly brought the country to a standstill. Campaign messaging has centered on tackling corruption, expanding economic opportunity and ending what many voters describe as entrenched political patronage.
Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has urged Nepalis to cast their ballots “without fear,” emphasizing that the vote is essential to charting the nation’s future.
What Comes Next?
Initial results from direct‑vote constituencies are expected within days, while distribution of proportional representation seats could take longer. Political commentators say the outcome will signal whether Nepal’s electorate especially its young citizens is ready to move beyond decades of political instability toward a new era of governance and reform.
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