Nepali candidates launched campaigning on Monday (February 16, 2026) for subsequent month’s parliamentary elections, the primary since lethal anti-corruption protests toppled the earlier authorities in 2025.
In the important thing battleground of Jhapa-5 — a Constituency in Nepal’s japanese plains with the world’s highest peaks on the horizon — a head-to-head political struggle dominating the marketing campaign was already heating up.
The ousted former Prime Minister’s bid to return to energy — 73-year-old Marxist chief Ok.P. Sharma Oli – is being challenged on his dwelling turf by a rapper-turned-mayor casting himself as a logo of youth-driven political change, 35-year-old Balendra Shah.
Each Mr. Oli and Mr. Shah kicked off campaigning in Jhapa on Monday (February 16, 2026), wooing voters to their trigger. “KP Oli is a necessity of this nation,” 66-year-old Jhapa resident Hima Karki instructed AFP, one in all 163,000 voters within the Constituency, a mixture of cities and farming settlements. “He’s the saviour of the nation, and his victory from right here is definite.”
Others have been extra uncertain of Mr. Oli’s return to energy. “Solely the youth can deliver change,” mentioned Chhabi Khatiwoda, 33, a Jhapa resident who has switched his help from Mr. Oli to Mr. Shah, who has joined the Rastriya Swatantra Get together (RSP), the fourth largest within the final Parliament.
“It’s excessive time all of us grew to become politically conscious and work for a brand new Nepal.” The youth-led protests in September have been triggered by a quick social media ban, however have been fuelled by anger at financial stagnation and an ageing elite seen as out of contact.
Over two days in September, 77 folks have been killed, scores have been injured, a whole bunch of buildings have been set on hearth — together with parliament, courts, and a Hilton lodge — and Mr. Oli was ousted. It was the Himalayan nation’s worst violence since a decade-long civil battle led to 2006.
“This election will draw the way forward for the nation,” Sushila Karki, who’s serving as interim Prime Minister till the March 5 vote, mentioned forward of the beginning of campaigning.
Younger and outdated
Two weeks of campaigns will see a number of recent, youthful candidates promise to supply change, difficult veteran politicians who say they supply stability and safety. “At the moment is the primary day,” Election Fee Spokesman Prakash Nyupane instructed AFP, however mentioned that the lively participation of events was ” sign of a optimistic surroundings for the election”.
Mr. Shah, who first gained nationwide consideration via Nepal’s underground hip-hop scene, releasing songs that railed in opposition to corruption and inequality, cultivated a faithful following on social media. However Mr. Oli-loyalist Hima Karki mentioned the election battle wouldn’t be gained on-line.
“Others could win on social media, however we are going to win in the actual election,” he mentioned. Additionally within the race is the Nepali Congress, the nation’s oldest occasion. It was as soon as a part of Mr. Oli’s coalition authorities, however has elected a brand new chief for the reason that rebellion — 49?yr? outdated Gagan Thapa.
And, on the different finish of the spectrum from Gen Z politics, supporters of the previous King Gyanendra Shah, 78, deposed in 2008, ending 240 years of monarchy — will even marketing campaign.
The Rastriya Prajatantra Get together (RPP), which pulls help from royalist nostalgia and frustration with mainstream politics, rallied 1000’s in Kathmandu on Friday (February 13, 2026) because the ex-king drove via the streets waving from his automotive.
‘Approach out’
Almost 19 million folks have registered to vote, together with 800,000 collaborating for the primary time. They are going to elect members to the 275-seat Home of Representatives, the decrease home, with 165 by way of a direct vote and 110 via proportional illustration.
Greater than 3,400 candidates are competing within the direct vote, 30% aged beneath 40. Marketing campaign banners and occasion flags are already being strung up in cities, with a string of rallies deliberate as candidates search to woo voters.
“This election is being performed in a particular situation,” former Chief Justice Karki mentioned, as she oversaw polling preparations final week. “This has to present the nation a manner out.”
The Election Fee has mentioned it is able to maintain the polls as deliberate regardless of issues over climate situations, as many high-altitude areas could also be snowbound that early within the yr.
The vote is being held unusually early within the yr, attributable to an accelerated election schedule introduced on by the September unrest. Additional safety forces have been drafted to make sure calm, with round 300,000 officers and momentary election police deployed.
Printed – February 16, 2026 11:38 pm IST