📊 Key Statistics
📜 Background
🔥 The September Uprising
On September 8, 2025, large-scale protests and demonstrations swept across Nepal, predominantly organized by students and young citizens—often referred to as the "Gen Z Movement." This youth-led uprising expressed deep frustration with political corruption, economic stagnation, and the perceived failure of traditional parties.
President Ram Chandra Poudel announced that early elections would be held on March 5, 2026—more than a year ahead of the constitutionally mandated deadline of November 2027.
🗳️ Electoral System
Nepal uses a mixed electoral system combining two voting methods:
Single-member constituencies
Closed party lists, nationwide
📅 Election Timeline
🏛️ Major Political Parties
Social democratic party. New leadership after special convention elected Gagan Thapa as president, replacing veteran Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Communist party with Marxist-Leninist ideology. Oli re-elected chairman at 11th convention. Main establishment communist force.
Newly formed merger of Maoist Centre, Unified Socialist, and 8 other left-wing groups. Led by former PM "Prachanda."
Anti-establishment party. Brought in Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah as PM candidate. Represents youth frustration with traditional politics.
Pro-monarchy, Hindu nationalist party. Merged with RPP Nepal to consolidate royalist vote. Advocates constitutional monarchy.
Coalition of Terai-based parties including Janamat Party (CK Raut), JSP-N (Upendra Yadav), focusing on Madhesi rights.
👥 Key Political Figures
🎯 Key Election Issues
Economic Development & Youth Unemployment
High youth unemployment driving emigration. Parties promising job creation, industrial development, and reducing dependence on remittances.
Political Corruption & Governance
The September uprising was largely fueled by anger at systemic corruption. Clean governance is a central promise, especially from newer parties like RSP.
Federal System Implementation
Strengthening provincial autonomy, resource distribution, and making federalism work effectively after the 2015 constitution.
Constitutional Reform
RPP advocates for Hindu state restoration and constitutional monarchy. Other parties seek amendments on citizenship, electoral thresholds, and judicial reforms.
Madhes & Regional Rights
Terai-based parties continue to push for greater representation, resource allocation, and addressing historical marginalization of Madhesi communities.
Old Politics vs. New Politics
A generational divide between established parties (Congress, UML) and newcomers (RSP) promising alternative, cleaner politics.
🤝 Electoral Alliances & Strategies
🔴 Congress-UML Discussions
The two largest parties have held discussions about potential electoral cooperation, particularly for the National Assembly elections. Leaders suggest an alliance could help both parties counter the rising tide of anti-establishment sentiment.
🟣 Left Unity: Nepali Communist Party
The merger of Maoist Centre, Unified Socialist, and other left factions into NCP represents a significant consolidation. However, notable figures like Baburam Bhattarai broke away to form the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party.
🔵 RSP: The Disruptor
By bringing in popular Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah as PM candidate, RSP is positioning itself as the face of change. Shah will contest against Oli in Jhapa 5—a symbolic battle between old and new politics.
🟡 Pro-Monarchy Consolidation
RPP's merger with RPP Nepal aims to unite the royalist vote. Their 27-point manifesto calls for constitutional amendments and potentially restoring Hindu state status.
🔍 Analysis & Outlook
Scenarios to Watch:
- RSP Surge: If anti-establishment sentiment holds, RSP could significantly increase its seat count, potentially becoming kingmaker or even largest party.
- Grand Coalition: Congress and UML may be forced into a grand coalition if neither can form government with smaller allies.
- Left Consolidation: NCP's performance will determine whether left unity was strategic or premature.
- Youth Vote: With 18.9 million voters, the youth demographic could decisively shift outcomes—particularly benefiting RSP and newer parties.