Nepal’s crucial parliamentary elections wrapped up Thursday evening, setting the stage for a swift release of results. Counting starts late tonight, with the Election Commission vowing to declare outcomes for 165 FPTP seats within 24 hours. Hilly terrains will delay the remaining 110 proportional seats, as ballot boxes take at least a day to reach centers.
From 7 AM to 5 PM, 23,000 centers in 77 districts buzzed with activity. Among 18,903,689 voters, women slightly trail men in numbers, but officials predict over 65% turnout—higher than recent years. This vote fills the 275-seat lower house, blending direct and proportional systems.
The backdrop is turbulent: Last year’s Gen-Z protests killed 77, wrecked properties worth billions, and toppled PM Oli’s government. Interim PM Sushila Karki stepped in, restoring order and scheduling these polls. Candidate ages reflect experience over youth, though a small cohort under 30 brings fresh energy.
Past elections saw robust participation—78% in 2013—but dipped lately. Bhandari’s team is geared for efficiency despite challenges. As results trickle in, Nepal braces for a new government amid economic pressures and regional dynamics. Major parties eye the FPTP prizes, while smaller ones bank on proportional allocations. The coming days will reveal if stability endures or if coalitions fracture.