Nepal’s voters flocked to 23,000 polling stations Thursday as parliamentary elections – the first after the Gen Z movement’s deadly toll – got underway in all 77 districts from 7 AM onwards.
Over 18.9 million people are registered, broken down into 9.66 million men, 9.24 million women, and 200 others. The ballot decides 275 House seats: 165 through FPTP with 3,406 hopefuls, and 110 via proportional representation featuring 3,135 candidates.
The backdrop is grim: Last September’s Gen Z protests killed 77 and wrecked property worth more than 84 billion rupees, toppling PM KP Oli’s regime. Interim PM Sushila Karki steadied the ship, calling snap elections to realign politics.
In a stirring appeal, Acting CEC Ram Prasad Bhandari vowed flawless execution. “Cast your vote boldly; it’s your right to choose representatives who govern with legitimacy,” he urged, detailing provisions for inclusive access and secure booths.
From dedicated facilities for women and disabled voters to robust staffing, every detail is covered for transparent polls. This election represents Nepal’s democratic rebound, offering a chance to heal divisions and elect leaders for tomorrow.