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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Sushila Karki addressed the nation following violent demonstrations that claimed at least 72 lives and led to the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The protests erupted over mounting public anger about corruption and governmental shortcomings.

Officials reported that more than 2,100 individuals were injured during the two days of unrest last week. Fires and acts of vandalism inflicted widespread destruction on both government and private properties, including key institutions such as the prime minister’s office, the parliament, and the Supreme Court complex.

“We must accept the fact that the protests took place because of the failure to fulfil the spirit and objectives of providing good governance and prosperity enshrined in the constitution,” Karki said.

Her address came on Nepal’s national day, which marks the tenth anniversary of the constitution’s declaration.

Karki, formerly the chief justice of the Supreme Court, was appointed interim leader last week following discussions among protest leaders, the president, and the military. She has been entrusted with organising the parliamentary elections set for March 5 and is the first woman in the country’s history to assume the role of prime minister.

She emphasised the government’s dedication to job creation, quality of life improvements, and enhancing transparency.

The damage from the riots could total between $1 billion and $1.5 billion, according to Kulman Ghising, the minister responsible for energy, infrastructure, transport, and urban development. During his inspection of damaged public buildings in Kathmandu, Ghising appealed to both domestic and international Nepalis to support rebuilding efforts.

A representative from the Supreme Court stated that many hearings are now being held in tents, as the court’s buildings, records, and IT infrastructure were destroyed during the violence.

Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire noted that the public had sent over 30,000 emails in response to a request for video, photo, and other evidence to aid in investigations into the protests.

Ratings agency Fitch has warned that the unrest could negatively impact Nepal’s economic and financial stability, potentially putting pressure on its credit rating.