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Voting is underway in Nepal’s 2026 parliamentary elections for 275 seats, with polling taking place from 7 am to 5 pm across the country. The election follows political unrest and youth-led protests in 2025 that led to the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government.
Voting Underway for 275 Seats in Nepal
Kathmandu: Voting for the parliamentary elections began on Thursday in Nepal. Voting is taking place for 275 seats across the country. According to the Nepal Election Commission, voting began at 7 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m. This election is taking place at a time when the country's government fell last year following political turmoil and a massive youth movement.
Tight security arrangements have been made for the elections, and long queues of voters are being seen at polling stations across the country. The results of this election are believed to determine the direction of Nepal's politics.
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Voting is also continuing peacefully in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. Images of voting have emerged from the Annapurna Vinayak School polling station, where a large number of voters are arriving to exercise their franchise.
Significant crowds are being seen at polling stations in the capital as well as in rural and hilly areas of the country. The Election Commission has appealed to voters to vote in large numbers to strengthen the democratic process.
Former Mayor of Kathmandu and popular politician Balendra 'Balen' Shah also cast his vote at the Annapurna Vinayak School polling station. Balen Shah was first popular as a rapper and later entered politics.
He gained considerable popularity as Mayor of Kathmandu and has now emerged as the face of reformist politics. His party is rapidly gaining support among youth and urban voters.
Corruption, employment, and the economy have emerged as the major issues in this election. Nepalese people have long been angry about political corruption, and this led to massive youth-led protests last year.
In addition, rising youth unemployment is also a major issue. Voters are demanding economic opportunities and better governance. Foreign policy also remains a key topic of election debate, especially regarding Nepal's relations with India and China.
Climate change and environmental issues are also being discussed, especially for communities living in the Everest region.
This election in Nepal features several experienced leaders as well as new faces. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is seeking a return to power. Meanwhile, Nepali Congress leader Gagan Thapa is campaigning on issues of anti-corruption and job creation.
New leaders like Balendra 'Balen' Shah are also gaining popularity. It is believed that this election will witness a fierce contest between traditional politics and new political options.
