Thursday dawned with Nepal’s massive electoral exercise, as 23,000 centers in 77 districts opened at 7 AM for polls closing at 5 PM – a landmark vote post-Gen Z unrest.
Eighteen million nine hundred three thousand six hundred eighty-nine voters – predominantly men and women in near-equal numbers, plus others – will pick 275 lower house lawmakers. FPTP claims 165 seats with 3,406 in the fray; proportional fills 110 via 3,135 nominees.
Echoes of the 2025 Gen Z protests linger: 77 dead, billions in losses, and PM Oli’s resignation. Sushila Karki’s caretaker government bridged the uncertainty, fast-tracking these elections for renewed mandate.
Election chief Ram Prasad Bhandari’s message rang clear: “Participate fearlessly in this cornerstone of democracy.” He outlined comprehensive setups – from booth logistics to gender-sensitive amenities and disability aids – ensuring fair play.
“Your vote validates governance; come exercise it with trust,” Bhandari added. With all mechanisms primed for integrity, Nepal’s polls herald stability, empowering citizens to shape post-crisis politics.