Nepal voting underway in first polls since Gen Z protests toppled Oli government

Voting began across Nepal on March 5 in a landmark general election, the first since mass youth-led protests last year forced the resignation of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and plunged the country into political turmoil.

Polling stations opened early in the morning with millions of voters expected to participate in the vote that will decide the composition of the country’s parliament and the next government. Nearly 18.9 million voters are eligible to cast ballots in the election.

The vote comes about six months after widespread demonstrations led largely by younger citizens, widely referred to as Gen Z protests, erupted across the country. The protests were triggered by anger over corruption, unemployment and political patronage, eventually forcing Oli to step down from power after days of unrest.

Following the upheaval, an interim government led by former chief justice Sushila Karki was formed to stabilise the country and oversee fresh elections. The administration dissolved parliament and announced the new polls as part of the political transition.

The election is being closely watched as a contest between traditional political parties and newer forces backed by young voters.

Among prominent contenders are reformist leaders and independent-leaning figures who have gained support from the youth-driven movement demanding political change and stronger action against corruption.

Polling is expected to continue throughout the day, with early trends likely to emerge soon after voting ends. However, officials say final results could take several days, given the scale of the election and the counting process.

The outcome of the vote is seen as critical for the future direction of Nepal’s democracy, as the country attempts to move beyond months of political unrest and respond to growing public demands for reform and economic opportunities