275 Seats, 18.9 Million Voters: Nepal Votes In Crucial Polls After Gen Z Uprising | 10 Key Points

Last Updated:March 05, 2026, 07:39 IST

Nearly 65 political parties are contesting the election, with three main contenders for the top office. Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, is seen as a front-runner.

Nepal is holding a crucial general election on Thursday, March 5, months after a massive Gen Z-led uprising removed KP Sharma Oli’s government and reshaped the country’s political landscape. 

Nepal’s interim prime minister Sushila Karki earlier appealed to citizens to participate in large numbers, saying the vote would determine the country’s stability and prosperity. She urged the public to maintain peace and order during polling, stating that “peace is Nepal’s identity".

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Here are 10 key points explaining the vote.

1. Polling timings

Voting for the 275-member House of Representatives began at 7 a.m. local time (6:45am IST) and will end at 5 p.m. across the country.

2. Size of the election

A total of 18.9 million eligible voters are taking part in the national ballot to decide Nepal’s next government.

3. How seats are decided

Out of 275 parliamentary seats, 165 members are elected through direct voting, while 110 seats are allocated using a proportional representation system.

4. Results timeline

Election authorities plan to announce direct voting results within 24 hours after ballot boxes are collected. Proportional results may take one or two additional days, with counting starting immediately.

5. New voters added

Around one million new voters, mostly young people, were added to the electoral roll following last year’s Gen Z protests.

6. Main political contenders

Nearly 65 political parties are contesting the election, with three main contenders for the top office. Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, is seen as a front-runner after emerging as a key campaign figure. Gagan Thapa represents the Nepali Congress, the country’s oldest political party, while former prime minister Khadga Prasad Oli seeks a return after his government was toppled in 2025. Former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is also in the fray.

7. Issues driving the vote

Corruption, job creation, poverty and high youth unemployment are among the main issues facing voters. Nepal’s relations with neighbouring India and China, both key trade partners, are also significant factors. India accounts for two-thirds of Nepal’s international trade, while China accounts for 14 per cent and has lent more than $130 million to the country.

8. Campaign rules and silent period

Election campaigning ran from February 16 to March 2, followed by a mandatory silent period with restrictions on political activities. The Election Commission also asked media organisations not to publish opinion poll results before voting, warning that such disclosures could affect a healthy competitive environment. Social media users were cautioned against misuse of technology that could disturb neutrality.

9. Tight security arrangements

Around 3,30,000 security personnel, including 80,000 Nepal Army officials, have been deployed. Authorities implemented a three-phase security plan with aerial patrols, guarded polling stations and protected transport of ballot boxes.

10. Special measures during elections

Nepal declared a three-day public holiday from March 4 to March 6 for the elections. The India-Nepal border has remained closed from midnight of March 2 to midnight of March 5, with restricted movement and strict verification checks in place. The government has also prohibited alcohol nationwide seven days before polling, with the ban continuing until final results are announced.

The Election Commission said results under the direct voting system will be announced within 24 hours after ballot boxes are collected, while proportional system results may take one or two days. Vote counting will begin immediately after ballot collection.

News world 275 Seats, 18.9 Million Voters: Nepal Votes In Crucial Polls After Gen Z Uprising | 10 Key Points

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