KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Parliamentary elections are taking place Thursday across Nepal, coming just one year after young protesters successfully brought down the administration that emerged from the country’s last electoral contest.
Key details surrounding Thursday’s voting:
This national election occurs only three years following Nepal’s last parliamentary contest, after political turmoil resulted in the administration’s downfall in 2025. An interim leadership took control and subsequently scheduled new elections.
Election Commission data shows nearly 19 million Nepalis have voter registration. The breakdown includes approximately 966,000 male voters and 924,000 female voters. An additional 200 individuals registered under an “others” classification, encompassing those not identifying as male or female plus LGBTQ+ community members.
Voter registration numbers have increased by almost 1 million people compared to the November 2022 parliamentary election, as the youth-driven protests generated heightened political engagement.
Nepal sets its voting eligibility at age 18, with officials encouraging young adults meeting requirements to complete registration.
The September 2025 youth-organized demonstrations that toppled the former administration and prompted these early elections have emerged as a central campaign theme.
Various political organizations have committed to elevating younger voter concerns, vowing to address corruption issues and enhance governmental operations.
Citizens will choose 165 House of Representatives members directly for Parliament’s influential lower chamber. Political parties will fill the remaining 110 positions in the 275-seat House using proportional representation, with party vote shares determining lawmaker appointments.
Nepal’s governments have typically formed through coalition arrangements, requiring two or more parties to unite for House majority control. The nation experiences ongoing political instability, witnessing 15 different governments across the past twenty years.
The Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) represent the country’s traditionally powerful political forces. Both parties participated in last year’s ousted government and now confront public frustration. The National Independent Party, established in 2022, has gained considerable campaign momentum. Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, who previously worked as a rapper, serves as the party’s prime ministerial candidate.
