Two weeks of campaigns would see a host of new, younger candidates promise to offer change, challenging veteran politicians who say they provide stability and security. A key election clash would see rapper-turned-mayor Balendra Shah, 35, face Oli in a head-to-head battle in the former prime minister’s constituency. “This election is being conducted in a special condition,” former chief justice Karki said, as she oversaw polling preparations last week. The vote is being held unusually early in the year, due to an accelerated election schedule brought on by the September unrest. Extra security forces have been drafted to ensure calm, with about 300,000 officers and temporary election police deployed.

Source: Taipei Times February 16, 2026 17:23 UTC