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Nepal Heads to Polls Amid Political Upheaval

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 7:09 GMT by RepublicWorld
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Kathmandu, Nepal - February 27th, 2026 - Nepal is heading to the polls this Sunday, February 28th, in a crucial parliamentary election that will determine the nation's political trajectory following a period of significant social and political upheaval. These elections mark the first national vote since the deadly protests of 2022, which exposed deep-seated grievances over economic policy and political stability. The vote is widely seen as a test of whether Nepal can consolidate a fragile peace and embark on a path towards sustained development.

Nepal has long been characterized by political instability, a consequence of frequent changes in government and a complex interplay of coalition politics. The 2022 protests, sparked by the controversial implementation of a new labor law perceived as detrimental to workers' rights, served as a stark reminder of the simmering tensions beneath the surface. While the immediate trigger was labor reform, analysts point to broader issues of economic inequality, corruption, and a lack of meaningful progress in post-earthquake reconstruction as underlying causes of the unrest. Seven lives were lost in the 2022 demonstrations, and the events left a lasting scar on the national psyche.

This year's election features a familiar cast of political leaders, each representing a distinct ideological and political base. The three main contenders vying for the position of Prime Minister are:

• Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda': Leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), Prachanda is a seasoned politician who previously served as Prime Minister. He represents a more left-leaning ideology, focusing on economic equality and social justice. His campaign is centered around promises of rural development and addressing the needs of marginalized communities. However, his past association with the Maoist insurgency remains a point of contention for some voters.

• Khaga Prasad Oli: Chairman of the CPN-UML, Oli also boasts a previous stint as Prime Minister. He is generally considered a pragmatic conservative, advocating for infrastructure development and foreign investment to bolster Nepal's economy. Oli's campaign focuses on maintaining stability and national sovereignty, often appealing to nationalist sentiments. He's faced criticism, however, for perceived authoritarian tendencies during his previous term.

• Sher Bahadur Deuba: As the President of the Nepali Congress and the outgoing Prime Minister, Deuba is seeking a mandate to continue his work. The Nepali Congress traditionally represents a centrist viewpoint, emphasizing democratic principles and a mixed economy. Deuba's campaign highlights his experience in navigating Nepal's complex political landscape and maintaining international relations. He faces an uphill battle, however, as many voters feel his administration failed to adequately address the country's pressing economic and social issues.

The parliamentary elections will determine the composition of the 275-member legislature. The seats are divided as follows: 165 are directly elected through a first-past-the-post system, 33 are allocated through proportional representation to ensure representation for various social groups, and 78 are nominated by the upper house - the National Assembly. This complex electoral system often leads to coalition governments, requiring extensive negotiations and compromises between parties.

Beyond the personalities of the candidates, key issues dominating the election discourse include economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing impacts of the 2015 earthquake. Nepal remains heavily reliant on foreign aid and remittances, and boosting domestic economic growth is a top priority for all contenders. Another critical issue is addressing youth unemployment, which has fueled social unrest and contributed to increasing emigration. Concerns around corruption and governance also remain pervasive, with voters demanding greater transparency and accountability from their leaders.

The international community is closely monitoring the elections, hoping for a peaceful and credible process. Nepal's geopolitical position - sandwiched between India and China - makes it a strategically important country, and maintaining regional stability is crucial. The outcome of this election will not only shape Nepal's domestic policies but also its relationships with its neighbors and the wider world. Analysts predict a closely contested election, with the possibility of a hung parliament and protracted coalition negotiations. The next few days will be decisive for Nepal's future.