Nepal votes in crucial general election amid tight security
PTC Web Desk: Voters across Nepal began casting their ballots on Thursday morning in a crucial general election being held in all 165 constituencies under tight security arrangements. The polls mark the first nationwide election since a wave of youth-led protests last year forced the government of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to step down.
According to election officials, more than 18.9 million eligible voters are expected to take part in the democratic exercise to elect members to the 275-seat House of Representatives of Nepal. A total of 3,406 candidates are contesting 165 seats through the direct first-past-the-post system, while another 3,135 candidates are competing for 110 seats allocated through the proportional representation system.
Polling began at 7 am and will continue until 5 pm. Officials said the counting of votes will start shortly after ballot boxes are transported to designated counting centres.
Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai confirmed that voting started simultaneously across the country, including the southern plains, hilly districts and mountainous regions. He added that the polling process began smoothly and without major disturbances.
On Wednesday, acting Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said all logistical and administrative arrangements had been completed. Addressing reporters, he urged citizens to participate actively in the election and help strengthen the democratic process.
In the capital Kathmandu, voters were seen lining up early at polling stations as clear weather encouraged turnout. Many residents expressed enthusiasm about participating in what is seen as a significant political moment for the country.
The election follows a dramatic political development last year when large-scale demonstrations led by Gen Z youth groups on September 8 and 9 forced the resignation of Oli, who leads the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist). His coalition government had the backing of the Nepali Congress and commanded nearly a two-thirds majority in Parliament.
After Oli stepped down, Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives on September 12 and appointed Sushila Karki to lead an interim government until fresh elections could be held.
The protests that triggered the political crisis were largely driven by younger voters demanding greater transparency, stronger action against corruption, improved governance and an end to nepotism in politics. Many also called for generational change in the country’s leadership.
To facilitate the polls, authorities declared a three-day public holiday beginning Wednesday. According to the Election Commission of Nepal, the voting process is being conducted through 23,112 polling centres and 10,967 polling stations across the country.
A total of 65 political parties are participating in the election, making it one of the most closely watched political contests in Nepal in recent years. Results are expected to shape the country’s political direction following months of instability triggered by last year’s protests.
- With inputs from agencies
