Voting took place peacefully in Nepal on March 15, 2024, marking the country’s first nationwide election since the violent, youth-led protests that led to the government’s ousting in September 2022. According to Ram Prasad Bhandari, the acting Chief Election Commissioner, voter turnout was approximately 60%, with only a few minor incidents reported during the election.
Vote counting commenced shortly after the ballot boxes were collected, with results expected by the weekend. Bhandari indicated that helicopters would transport boxes from polling stations in remote mountain villages by the morning of March 16. This election comes at a crucial time, as the next administration will face significant challenges, including demands for political reform, combating corruption, and managing relations with neighboring powers, India and China.
Voter Sentiment and Political Landscape
First-time voter Luniva expressed her motivation for participating, stating, “I came to vote mainly because of the protest and so many people gave their lives in the hope of a change, in hope of seeing better Nepal.” Many voters share similar aspirations, hoping the election will lead to improvements after months of political turbulence.
This election allows voters to directly elect 165 members to the House of Representatives, which is the lower chamber of Nepal’s Parliament. The remaining 110 seats in the 275-member body will be filled through a proportional representation system, where political parties nominate lawmakers based on their share of the vote.
The political contest is widely regarded as a three-way race, driven by public frustration over rampant corruption and a desire for greater government accountability. The National Independent Party, established in 2022, is emerging as a strong contender against the long-established Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist).
Emerging Leaders and Campaign Issues
The National Independent Party’s prime ministerial candidate, Balendra Shah, gained recognition as a prominent figure during the protests. The 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician previously won the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral election and has become a symbol of the movement for change, focusing on health and education reforms for underprivileged Nepalis.
The protests that catalyzed the political upheaval were initially sparked by a government ban on social media, which quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations against corruption and mismanagement. Tragically, dozens lost their lives and hundreds were injured as protesters clashed with authorities and demanded accountability.
While the traditional parties maintain loyal support bases, the National Independent Party has attracted larger crowds, signaling its growing appeal, especially among younger voters seeking alternatives. The Election Commission of Nepal reported that approximately 19 million people are registered to vote in a country with nearly 30 million residents. However, millions of Nepalis living abroad, estimated at around 3 million, were unable to participate in the election due to the lack of a voting system for expatriates.
This election represents a significant moment for Nepal as it navigates the aftermath of political unrest and seeks to fulfill the aspirations of its citizens for a better governance structure. The outcome could redefine the country’s political landscape in the months to come.
