Nepal vote closes in showdown between old guard and Gen Z movement
Mar 11th 2026
Polling closed after a wave of Gen Z-led protests toppled the previous government; early counts start Friday but a coalition outcome looks likely as key figures including Balendra Shah and KP Sharma Oli battle for seats.
- Voting ended peacefully with turnout estimated at about 60%, the lowest in more than two decades.
- Partial winners may be announced from Friday while full results could take several days.
- Nepal's electoral system makes an outright majority unlikely, so coalition negotiations are expected.
- Main contenders are Balendra "Balen" Shah, a 35-year-old ex-rapper and Kathmandu mayor; KP Sharma Oli, the 74-year-old former prime minister; and Gagan Thapa, leader of the Nepali Congress.
- The vote follows September 2025 youth-led protests that killed at least 77 people and led to an interim government under former chief justice Sushila Karki.
- The next government must tackle corruption, joblessness and a weak economy while managing ties with India and China, and logistical voting challenges required helicopters to reach remote mountain areas.