Nepal Election 2026: Who are the key parties and candidates

Nepal is witnessing a highly anticipated general election following the fall of the K.P. Sharma Oli government in 2025, following a Gen-Z-led protest in the Himalayan nation.

The election is being held two years ahead of schedule because of the two-day protests. The polls follow last September’s youth-led movement against corruption, misgovernance, and a patronage-driven economy long associated with an ageing political class.

The voting started at 7 a.m. and will conclude at 5 p.m. The counting will start immediately after the ballot boxes are collected.

Which are the main parties?

Around 65 political parties are contesting the general election for the 275-member House of Representatives. But there are some main parties that are leading the electoral battle. 

Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) [CPN-UML]

The CPN-UML is led by former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who was ousted from power following the massive student protests in the country. This is the primary traditional force in Nepalese politics, and Mr. Oli hopes to make a comeback despite the pushback from younger voters.

Nepali Communist Party 

The Nepali Communist Party led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is the other traditional party in the fray. While Mr. Prachanda’s party claims to have addressed the concerns raised by the protesters, it has not transferred the power of the party to younger leaders.

Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP)

The RSP is a centrist, reformist party that has gained significant popularity among the youth. It is led by Ravi Lamichhane with senior leader Balendra Shah. Its campaign focuses on anti-corruption and generational change. 

Nepali Congress (NC) 

Nepali Congress is the country’s oldest party, which is now being led by a younger face, Gagan Thapa, to distance itself from the “old guard’ image of the party. 

Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) 

The RPP is a right-wing, conservative party advocating for the restoration of the monarchy and the transformation of Nepal into a Hindu state. It is led by Rajendra Prasad Lingden. 

Who are the key candidates and P.M. faces?

K.P. Sharma Oli 

Mr Oli, of the CPN-UML, is a 74-year-old veteran leader of the nation and has already been the Prime Minister of the country four times. He is contesting from the Jhapa-5 constituency. 

Balendra (Balen) Shah

This rapper-turned-politician is the former mayor of Kathmandu and will be directly challenging Mr. Oli from the Jhapa-5 constituency from the R.S.P.

Gagan Thapa 

Mr Thapa is a 49-year-old leader who aims to end the hegemony of the “old-age club” of veteran leaders. He is competing for the N.C. from the Sarlahi-4 constituency. 

Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) 

Mr. Prachanda is a three-time former PM of Nepal and a Maoist rebel leader. He will compete for the N.C.P. from the Eastern Rukum-1 constituency. 

(With inputs from Reuters)