Nepal is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on March 5, 2026, following a period of political upheaval triggered by youth-led protests in September 2025. The elections, occurring nearly two years ahead of schedule, pit established political parties against emerging forces vying to represent public discontent.
The protests, largely organized by Generation Z students and young citizens, initially focused on a government ban on social media platforms – including YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp – and widespread allegations of corruption and nepotism. The movement quickly broadened to encompass demands for governmental accountability, transparency, and a fundamental overhaul of the political system. Demonstrations took place across the country, with some escalating into riots, arson, and vandalism, resulting in 76 deaths and over 2,100 injuries, according to verified reports.
The scale of the unrest led to the resignation of Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli in September 2025. Sushila Karki was subsequently appointed as Interim Prime Minister, and the House of Representatives was dissolved, paving the way for the snap elections. During the protests, protesters set fire to multiple government buildings and political offices, including the parliament and presidential residence. The Nepali Army temporarily closed and occupied Tribhuvan International Airport.
The ban on social media platforms, a key catalyst for the protests, was eventually lifted. The upcoming elections represent a “generational reckoning,” with voters now tasked with choosing between veteran politicians and a new wave of leaders promising reform. The vote will be closely watched to see if the momentum generated by the Gen Z protests translates into significant gains for newer political forces.
As election day approaches, the country faces the challenge of navigating a political landscape reshaped by the protests and the subsequent interim administration. The outcome will determine the composition of the House of Representatives and the appointment of a new Prime Minister, with the potential to significantly alter Nepal’s political trajectory.
