Nepal is set to hold elections on Thursday, marking the first electoral process since the government was toppled by youth-led anti-corruption protests in September 2025. The upcoming parliamentary polls feature prominent figures vying for power, including a former prime minister aiming for a comeback, a rapper-turned-mayor targeting the youth vote, and the newly elected leader of the Nepali Congress party.
Three key candidates in the March 5 elections are closely monitored as central players in an election where analysts predict no single party will secure a majority.
Gagan Thapa, aged 49, is positioning himself as a symbol of generational change, advocating for a shift away from what he labels as an “old age” group of entrenched leaders. Having led an internal rebellion in January to assume leadership of the Nepali Congress, Thapa emphasizes his involvement in political activism since his teenage years during the pro-democracy movement in 1990. He has a history of street protests and parliamentary service as a health minister, emphasizing his blend of energy and experience to bring about governance reforms and job opportunities.
K.P. Sharma Oli, aged 74, is a seasoned and controversial figure in Nepali politics. A veteran Marxist leader and former prime minister, Oli has faced criticism for his leadership style while being praised for his nationalist stance in managing relations with neighboring countries. Despite being ousted following protests in September, Oli remains a prominent figure within the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) and is seeking a political comeback, portraying the election as a choice between progress and chaos.
Balendra Shah, also known as “Balen,” aged 35, represents a new wave of youth-driven political change in Nepal. Rising to fame as an underground hip-hop artist critical of corruption and inequality, Shah transitioned into politics and secured a surprising victory as Kathmandu’s independent mayor in 2022. His proactive approach to tackling societal issues has garnered attention, with Shah now aligning himself with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and challenging former prime minister Oli in his constituency. Advocating for a blend of liberal economics and social justice, Shah emphasizes the importance of good governance and retains his musical identity as a core part of his persona.