Nepal holds first election since deadly youth protests
Nepal is voting in a fragmented race where new parties that have disappointed Gen Z are pitted against established political forces relying on their traditional support base, raising the possibility of another coalition government.
Thursday’s election comes months after youth-led protests shook the South Asian country; Thousands of young Nepalis took to the streets to demand accountability, jobs and an end to corruption.
The nationwide demonstrations, whose crackdown has led to dozens of deaths, have revealed deep discontent among young people with what they see as a political elite disconnected from daily life.
The country of 30 million people, located between China and India, has been grappling for decades with structural problems ranging from political instability, damaging a largely agriculture-based economy and worsening unemployment, to widespread corruption.
According to the commission, only 65 of the 136 parties registered with the Election Commission are participating in the elections.
The government declared a three-day public holiday for the elections, citing security reasons and logistical difficulties in the Himalayan country.
Nepal has no public opinion poll practice, but analysts say the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) may emerge as the largest party, while newly formed parties such as the Shram Sanskriti Party and Ujyaalo Nepal Party are seen as potential disruptors in select constituencies.
Older parties such as the Nepali Congress, the Nepal Communist Party (United Marxist-Leninist), the Nepal Communist Party and the royalist Rastriya Prajatantra Party are also poised to come to the fore.
Gehendra Lal Malla, professor of political science at Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu, said the absence of alliances, combined with a large number of smaller parties, could make it difficult for any party to gain a clear majority.
“The RSP has the right momentum and could succeed. But it looks like neither party will be able to secure a clear majority,” he said.
Initial vote counting trends are expected by Friday, but full results could take longer.
– via Reuters
