Voting took place without incident in Nepal’s first nationwide election on March 7, 2024, following a youth-led uprising that resulted in the government’s removal in September 2022. Approximately 60% of registered voters participated, according to Ram Prasad Bhandari, the acting Chief Election Commissioner. Only minor incidents were reported, indicating a smooth process as ballot counting commenced shortly after polling concluded.
Helicopters are being deployed to transport ballot boxes from remote mountain villages, ensuring that counting can begin as early as Thursday evening. Results from the election are anticipated by the weekend, marking a significant moment for a country that has experienced considerable political turbulence.
Challenges Ahead for the New Administration
The incoming government will face numerous challenges, including addressing the demands that arose from last year’s protests, combating entrenched corruption, and navigating relationships with neighboring powers, India and China. Many voters expressed hope that this election could lead to meaningful change. One first-time voter, Luniva, shared her motivation: “I came to vote mainly because of the protest and so many people gave their lives in the hope of a change, in hope of seeing a better Nepal.”
This election features direct elections for 165 members of the House of Representatives, Nepal’s lower parliamentary chamber. The remaining 110 seats in the 275-member assembly will be filled through proportional representation, where political parties nominate candidates based on their share of the vote. This structure aims to reflect the diverse political landscape of Nepal.
Political Landscape and Voter Sentiment
The election is perceived as a three-way contest, shaped by widespread dissatisfaction over corruption and a demand for increased governmental accountability. The National Independent Party, established in 2022, is considered the frontrunner. It poses a significant challenge to the long-established Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist).
Leading the National Independent Party is Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician who gained prominence as the mayor of Kathmandu and played a crucial role in the protests of 2025 that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. Shah, at only 35 years old, has tapped into public discontent with traditional political establishments, focusing on health and education for marginalized communities during his campaign.
The protests that led to the recent election were initially sparked by a social media ban and escalated into a broader uprising against the government, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. While the traditional parties still maintain loyal support bases, Shah’s party has attracted larger crowds, particularly among younger voters eager for alternatives.
Voter registration data indicates that there are approximately 19 million registered voters in a country with nearly 30 million inhabitants. However, millions of Nepalis residing abroad, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, were unable to participate in the election. An estimated 3 million citizens work outside the country and cannot cast ballots due to the absence of a voting system for overseas citizens.
The outcome of this election has the potential to reshape Nepal’s political future, as citizens await results that could signal a shift toward greater accountability and reform.
