politics
March 5, 2026
From violent revolt to ballot box: Nepal’s old guard faces a populist surge
Six months after violent protests forced government to resign, nearly 19 million Nepalis head to the polls
TL;DR
- Nepal is conducting a general election with nearly 19 million voters choosing a 275-member parliament.
- The election follows violent protests in September that resulted in deaths and injuries, leading to the resignation of the then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
- Traditional parties, the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, are facing a surge in popularity from new, populist parties and independent candidates.
- The Nepali Congress has experienced a split, with a breakaway faction recognized as the official party.
- Concerns exist regarding foreign influence and conspiracies potentially aimed at destabilizing Nepal's political landscape.
- Prominent new figures without deep political backgrounds are emerging as potential leaders, drawing support through populist narratives.
- The election is seen as a critical juncture that could alter Nepal's overall direction due to shifting power centers and potential international influence.
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