Nepal election 2026: Who are the contenders and what’s at stake?
Nepal’s 2026 general election for the House of Representatives is underway today, March 5, with nearly 19 million voters choosing among over 3,400 candidates for 275 seats. This snap poll follows Gen-Z-led protests that toppled the government last year.
Major parties have fielded prominent leaders as prime ministerial candidates in this first-past-the-post and proportional representation race.
Nearly 30% of candidates are under 40, signaling generational shift.
Corruption eradication tops voter concerns after 2025 protests. High youth unemployment, poverty affecting 20% of population, and job creation are critical.
Foreign ties loom large: India handles two-thirds of Nepal’s trade, China 14% plus $130M+ loans—balance amid rivalry key for landlocked economy. Election tests if old guard or youth reformers prevail post-uprising.
