Nepal rivals rally on final day of poll campaign, PM urges citizens to vote
Al Jazeera
March 2, 2026
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Nepal’s political landscape is heating up as rival parties make a final push during the last day of their election campaign. Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has urged citizens to participate in the upcoming polls, emphasizing the importance of voting for peace and prosperity. The election, set to take place on March 5, marks a pivotal moment for the Himalayan nation, which is transitioning from an interim government established after last year’s violent protests.
The campaign has highlighted a surge in younger candidates challenging veteran politicians who have dominated Nepalese politics for decades. These newcomers are promising to address economic struggles, corruption, and instability. Among them is Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper turned politician, who is running against KP Sharma Oli, the 74-year-old Marxist leader ousted as prime minister last year. Their constituency in Jhapa-5 has become a key battleground, reflecting the broader national shift toward youth-driven change.
With nearly 19 million registered voters, including 800,000 first-time participants, the election will determine the 275-seat House of Representatives. Over 3,400 candidates are competing, with 40% under the age of 35. The election process combines direct voting for 165 seats and proportional representation for the remaining 110. The interim government and Election Commission have assured a fair, free, and peaceful polling environment.
This election is particularly significant as it follows six months after the Gen Z-led protests that ousted former Prime Minister Shehbaz Gillani’s government. Karki has described the situation as complex and challenging but emphasized the need for voter participation to ensure democracy thrives. The outcome of these
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/2/2026