KATHMANDU, Feb 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Nepali candidates launch their campaigns on Monday for next month's parliamentary elections, the first since deadly anti?corruption protests toppled the previous government in 2025. A key election clash will see rapper-turned-mayor Balendra Shah, 35, face Oli in a head-to-head battle in the former prime minister's constituency. He has joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), the fourth biggest in the last parliament. 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 around 300,000 officers and temporary election police deployed.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 16, 2026 02:53 UTC