Nepal Prepares for March 2026 Elections Amid Youth Protests and Political Change

Nepal is set to hold parliamentary elections on March 5, 2026, following deadly youth-led anti-corruption protests in 2025 that toppled the previous government. Nearly 19 million voters, including around 800,000 first-timers, will choose among 65 parties and key prime ministerial candidates: rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, veteran leader KP Sharma Oli, and young party head Gagan Thapa. The election reflects public frustration with corruption and unemployment, with outcomes likely to influence Nepal's political stability and regional relations.