Nepali politicians commenced their election campaigns yesterday for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for next month. This will mark the first election following the overthrow of the previous government in 2025 during intense anti-corruption demonstrations.
Sushila Karki, the current interim prime minister leading up to the March 5 voting day, emphasized the significance of this election in shaping the nation’s future.
The protests, primarily led by the youth, were initially sparked by a short-lived social media blackout but were further fueled by frustrations over economic stagnation and a disconnect perceived with the older ruling class. Over 3,400 candidates are vying for direct votes, with 30 percent of them falling below the age of 40.
In the upcoming two weeks of campaigning, a wave of fresh, youthful contenders will pledge to bring about change, challenging the established political figures.
One notable electoral showdown will feature rapper-turned-mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, aged 35, going head-to-head with Oli in the constituency of the former prime minister. Sharply dressed, Shah has become a symbol of a rejuvenated political landscape driven by the younger generation. He has aligned himself with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which was the fourth largest party in the previous parliament.
