ADVERTISEMENTThe long-festering, deep-seated malaise erupted into street demonstrations last September, triggered by a social media ban, that brought thousands on the streets, leading to clashes and fatalities that forced the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. They include the country's oldest party, the Nepali Congress led by 49-year-old Gagan Thapa, and the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) comprising former Maoist insurgents who joined mainstream politics. "The election is critical to address the aspirations of the youths expressed during the Gen Z protests," said political analyst Puranjan Acharya. "If the newly elected leaders are seen as unfit to do so, there is a risk of further trouble." "Voting is not just about sending someone to victory," Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who took over after Oli, said in a public broadcast this week.

Source: The Telegraph March 05, 2026 04:58 UTC