Nepal Election: Former PM, reformist and mayor vie for power after political uprising

Old guard faces youth challenge in Nepal

Nepal heads to the polls on Thursday in its first general election since youth-led anti-corruption protests toppled the government in September 2025, triggering the country’s worst political violence since the end of the civil war.

Key figures competing for power include an ousted former prime minister seeking a comeback, a youthful party leader positioning himself as a reformist alternative, and a rapper-turned-mayor who has emerged as a symbol of generational change.

Analysts say the March 5 parliamentary vote is unlikely to deliver an outright majority for any single party, making coalition negotiations almost inevitable.

Key contenders in Nepal polls

Gagan Thapa, 49

Gagan Thapa presents himself as the face of generational renewal, arguing the country cannot be run by what he describes as an “old age” club of revolving veteran leaders.

He led an internal revolt in January to become head of the Nepali Congress, the country’s oldest and historically dominant party. Born in 1976, Thapa entered politics during the 1990 pro-democracy movement and later rose through student activism linked to the party.

Jailed several times for street protests, he went on to serve multiple parliamentary terms and has held ministerial office.

"I am the right mix of energy and experience — the right mix which can deliver," Thapa told AFP, pledging governance reform and cross-party cooperation.

K.P. Sharma Oli, 74

Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli is one of Nepal’s most seasoned and polarising political figures. The veteran Marxist leader and four-time prime minister was ousted during last year’s protests.

Leader of the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), Oli has spent nearly six decades in politics, including 14 years in prison for underground communist activism.

He denies ordering security forces to fire on protesters during the unrest, which left at least 77 people dead. He blames “infiltrators” for the violence.

Despite his fall from power, he secured re-election as party chief in December and is now seeking a political comeback. He has framed the contest as a “competition between those who burn the country and those who build it”.

Balendra Shah, 35

Balendra Shah, widely known as “Balen”, represents the surge of youth-driven politics that fuelled the protests.

A former underground hip-hop artist and civil engineer, Shah gained national prominence through music criticising corruption and inequality before winning a shock victory as Kathmandu’s first independent mayor in 2022.

He later joined the centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and is now challenging Oli in his home constituency.

Shah advocates liberal economic reform combined with social justice, including free education and healthcare for the poor. He has described good governance as the core demand of younger voters and insists music will remain part of his identity even if he rises to national office.

Key dates in Nepal’s political turmoil

September 4, 2025 – Social media ban

The government suspends access to at least 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and X, in a move widely seen as an attempt to curb dissent.

The ban triggers outrage, particularly among young citizens and the millions of Nepalis working abroad whose remittances form around a third of GDP. TikTok remains accessible and becomes a platform for criticism of political elites.

September 8, 2025 – Protests erupt

Demonstrations break out in Kathmandu under a loose Gen Z-led movement.

What begins as opposition to the social media ban expands into broader anger over corruption, economic stagnation and entrenched political elites. Clashes with security forces turn deadly as police open fire. At least 20 people are killed.

The ban is later lifted and the home minister resigns.

September 9, 2025 – Government overthrown

Violence intensifies despite attempts to restore order.

Government buildings, including courts and the historic Singha Durbar complex, are torched. Protesters target symbols of political power and wealth. More than 2,500 buildings are set ablaze, including hotels and media offices.

Oli resigns. More than 13,500 prisoners escape from jails amid chaos, hundreds of weapons are looted, and at least 77 people are killed.

September 13, 2025 – Interim leadership

Thousands of activists debate the country’s future online and nominate former chief justice Sushila Karki as interim leader.

Karki is sworn in as caretaker prime minister to stabilise the country and oversee preparations for elections. She pledges to restore order and launches an inquiry into the violence.

March 5, 2026 – Parliamentary elections

Nearly 19 million registered voters are electing 275 members of the House of Representatives — 165 through direct vote and 110 via proportional representation.

More than 3,400 candidates are contesting, with 30 per cent under the age of 40. Several first-time candidates and protest activists are challenging Nepal’s established political class.

(With inputs from agencies)