Nepal's Upcoming Elections: A Turning Point Amidst Political Turmoil
Nepal is gearing up for national elections on March 5, following significant political upheaval marked by youth-led protests against corruption. With approximately 19 million voters expected to participate, the elections will see a mix of new and established candidates vying for power. Key issues include job creation and public dissatisfaction with corruption. The election outcome could reshape Nepal's political landscape and influence its foreign relations, particularly with India and China. As the nation stands at a crossroads, the upcoming mandate will determine its future direction amidst rising expectations from a youthful electorate.
| Feb 27, 2026, 19:54 IST
Nepal's National Elections Scheduled for March 5
Nepal is set to hold its national elections on March 5, a significant event occurring just six months after youth-led anti-corruption protests ousted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. These protests, which erupted in September, resulted in the deaths of 77 individuals and left over 2,000 injured, with widespread violence leading to the destruction of numerous buildings. The nation now stands at a pivotal political juncture.
Voter Demographics and Election Structure
In this Himalayan nation with a population of 30 million, approximately 19 million voters will cast their ballots for a 275-member parliament. Following last year's protests, around one million new voters, primarily young individuals, have been added to the electoral rolls. Notably, 165 seats will be filled through direct elections, where the candidate with the most votes will win, while the remaining seats will be allocated via a proportional representation system. According to the election commission, 65 political parties are contesting, indicating a multifaceted and complex electoral battle.
Key Issues and Candidates
Analysts suggest that public outrage against corruption will be the central theme of this election, alongside the pressing issue of job creation. Nearly one-fifth of the population lives in poverty, and youth unemployment remains high. Young candidates are promising economic reforms, transparency, and accountability, while seasoned leaders emphasize stability and security. This clash of priorities will shape the election's outcome.
Focus on Jhapa 5 Constituency
Jhapa 5 has emerged as a focal point in this election, with former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli once again in the fray. The 74-year-old, who has served as Prime Minister four times, faces a tough challenge from Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician who resigned as mayor of Kathmandu to enter national politics. Shah is contesting on the ticket of the National Independent Party and has publicly declared his intention to defeat Oli in his stronghold and institutionalize the Gen Z movement's agenda.
Other Notable Candidates
Other contenders include Gagan Thapa from the Nepali Congress and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a three-time Prime Minister. This election is viewed as a direct competition between new and established leadership after a long period of dominance by Maoist-affiliated leaders.
Coalition Politics and Future Implications
Political analysts believe that achieving a clear majority for any single party will be challenging. In such a scenario, coalition politics will likely play a decisive role. The nature of the government will depend on which party takes the lead in the coalition, influencing policy priorities and foreign relations.
Nepal's Foreign Policy Dynamics
Nepal's foreign policy is significantly influenced by balancing relations between India and China. India is the country's largest trading partner, accounting for about 63% of total imports, while China holds around 13%. However, China's presence has grown through infrastructure projects and the Belt and Road Initiative. Nepal's open border with India, cultural ties, and energy cooperation are deeply rooted, with hydropower generated in Nepal being exported to India. Meanwhile, China is investing in road and rail connectivity through Tibet, necessitating that the new government maintain diplomatic balance.
Strategic Importance of Nepal's Political Direction
Nepal's political trajectory could impact the strategic landscape of South Asia. Infrastructure development in the Himalayan region, cross-border energy networks, and trade corridors hold significant importance for both India and China. If the new government enforces transparency and competitive bidding processes, external influence on mega-projects may be limited. Conversely, if coalition stability falters, external powers may attempt to expand their influence. Additionally, Nepal's internal stability is linked to India's northern security and China's southern reach, making this election a key indicator of regional power dynamics.
A Chance for Political Culture Reconstruction
Ultimately, this election in Nepal represents not just a process of selecting a government but also an opportunity to reconstruct political culture. The increasing participation of young voters is a positive sign for democracy, but the pressure of expectations is equally significant. Voters in Nepal now seek both change and stability. The upcoming mandate will reveal the direction in which the country will move.
Author
- Neeraj Kumar Dubey