Nepal is voting in a crucial general election on Thursday, the first since Gen Z-led protests forced the government of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli out of power six months ago.

A total of 3,406 candidates are contesting for 275 seats in the House of Representatives. The election is seen as a major test for Nepal’s political future and will decide whether the youth-led movement brings lasting political change or if traditional leaders return to power.

The political crisis began in September 2025 when large protests led by young people erupted across the country. The demonstrations lasted for two days and resulted in the deaths of 77 people, while more than 2,000 were injured. Following the unrest, President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives and appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as caretaker Prime Minister. Karki also became the first woman to hold the post in Nepal.

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More than 18.9 million people are eligible to vote in the election, which began at 7 am and will continue until 5 pm. Counting of votes will start once the ballot boxes reach the counting centres.

Key contenders and why the election matters

Balendra Shah

One of the most talked-about candidates is Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician and former mayor of Kathmandu. Popularly known as Balen, he is contesting on behalf of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and has positioned himself as a leader of generational change and anti-corruption politics.

KP Sharma Oli

Shah is contesting from Jhapa-5, where he is directly challenging KP Sharma Oli, who is seeking a return to power. Oli, 74, has served as Prime Minister four times and remains one of the most influential leaders in Nepali politics.

Gagan Thapa

Another key figure in the election is Gagan Thapa of the Nepali Congress, who is being projected as a possible prime ministerial candidate. Thapa has been campaigning strongly and is seen as someone who combines traditional party politics with calls for reform.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal

Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, widely known as Prachanda, is also contesting. The former Maoist leader, who once led an armed insurgency before joining mainstream politics in 2006, remains an important player in Nepal’s political landscape.

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Some smaller parties are also gaining attention. These include the Ujyalo Nepal Party led by Kulman Ghising and the Shram Shakti Party headed by former Dharan mayor Harka Sampang, though their influence is still limited to certain regions.

The election is taking place at a time when public frustration over corruption, unemployment and poor governance has grown. Many voters, especially young people, are demanding better accountability and job opportunities.

Around 1 million new voters, many of them from Gen Z and involved in last year’s protests, have been added to the electoral roll. Their participation could significantly influence the outcome.

The next government will also have to carefully manage Nepal’s relationships with its two major neighbours, India and China. India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner, accounting for nearly two-thirds of its trade, while China has expanded its role in infrastructure investments and lending.

Political analysts say the election could reshape Nepal’s political landscape if voters decide to support newer parties over traditional ones.