Nepal Election: Ex-PM, Reformist, Rapper-Mayor Battle for Power After Uprising

• Nepal holds its first general election on March 5, 2026, following a youth-led anti-corruption uprising in September 2025 that toppled the government.
• Key contenders include former PM K.P. Sharma Oli seeking a comeback, reformist Gagan Thapa leading Nepali Congress, and rapper-turned-mayor Balendra Shah.
• The September 2025 uprising, triggered by a social media ban, escalated into widespread protests against corruption and political elites, leading to significant violence and Oli's resignation.
• Analysts predict no single party will secure an outright majority in the parliamentary vote, making coalition negotiations highly probable.
• The election features over 3,400 candidates, with 30% under 40, reflecting a generational shift and challenge to established political figures.