Nepal Votes: Reform or Populism After Gen Z Uprising?

• Nepal faces a pivotal parliamentary election on March 5, following the September 2025 'Gen Z' protests that led to PM Oli's resignation and interim PM Sushila Karki's appointment.
• The protests, sparked by a social media ban and deeper grievances, challenged Nepal's traditional politics dominated by veteran leaders and systemic issues like corruption.
• Nepali Congress, led by Gagan Kumar Thapa, embraced internal reform, rebranding as "Congress 2.0" with a platform focused on anti-corruption and inclusive governance.
• The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) capitalized on anti-establishment sentiment, fielding celebrity candidates like Balendra Shah, who is now their prime ministerial candidate.
• Voters face a choice between Thapa's experienced reform and Shah's populist approach, with geopolitical implications as both candidates have distinct stances on India and China.