Nepal’s March 5 vote: Waves, coalitions, and the new guard on the cards

Nepal is gearing up for a significant electoral contest on March 5, marking the first election since the 2025 Gen Z protests. Veteran political figures like Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and K.P. Sharma Oli are bracing themselves for a challenging battle as the political landscape shifts. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by the charismatic Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old leader with considerable popularity, appears to have gained a favorable edge in the polls. As youth engagement rises, the electorate's younger demographic is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome, particularly in light of widespread anti-incumbency sentiments. This election not only signifies a test for established leaders but also presents an opportunity for new voices to emerge in Nepal's evolving political arena.