The Election Commission of Nepal announced on Tuesday that 114 political parties, including several newcomers, have been sanctioned to participate in the upcoming elections. These elections are the first since the mass protests that led to the government’s downfall.
According to Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the Himalayan nation, home to 30 million people, is set for elections on March 5, 2026.
“Approximately 19 million eligible voters have registered,” Bhattarai stated.
He reassured, “We guarantee that the elections will proceed as scheduled,” emphasizing the commitment to a “free, fair, and peaceful environment.”
Among the 114 parties, about 20% are newly formed, many by young activists who were instrumental in the anti-corruption protests that rocked the nation on September 8-9.
The protests initially erupted due to a temporary social media ban but were driven by widespread discontent over economic difficulties and corruption.
The World Bank reports that a striking 82% of Nepal’s workforce is engaged in informal employment, with a GDP per capita of $1,447 in 2024.
The initial protests were largely led by the youth under the “Gen Z” movement, consisting of individuals under 28 years old.
The unrest quickly spread nationwide, leading to the burning of parliament and government offices and the collapse of the government. The violence resulted in at least 73 deaths.
Nepal’s political future remains precarious, with significant public distrust in established parties challenging the credibility of the elections.
