Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Nepal Election: Former PMs Join March 5 Polls
In Nepal, more than 2500 people, including four former prime ministers, have signed up to run in the upcoming elections on March 5.
These candidates come from different political parties and are running in 165 areas across the country.
The elections were called early because of big protests by young people, called the Gen-Z uprising, which happened in 2025.
The protesters wanted to stop corruption and have a better government.
Now, many new and old political leaders are running, each with their own ideas for how to make Nepal better.
Some want to fight corruption, others want to bring back the old monarchy, and some want to focus on making the economy stronger.
The elections are going to be very competitive, with some big names like former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and popular rapper Balendra Shah running against each other.
Some young leaders are also running, which shows that the protests by the youth have made a big impact on the elections.
Over 2500 candidates, including four former prime ministers, have filed nominations for Nepal's March 5 general elections.
Key candidates include KP Sharma Oli, Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Baburam Bhattarai, each contesting from different constituencies.
Notable mayors, including Balendra Shah, have quit their posts to run in the elections, adding to the competitive landscape.
The elections follow the Gen-Z uprising in 2025, which led to the dissolution of parliament and called for systemic changes.
Issues such as corruption, economic transformation, and the restoration of the monarchy are central to the election campaigns.
- Who
- Over 2500 candidates, including four former prime ministers and notable mayors
- What
- Filing of nominations for Nepal's March 5 general elections
- When
- Nominations ended on Tuesday, with the election scheduled for March 5
- Where
- Across 165 constituencies in Nepal
- Why
- Following the Gen-Z uprising and the dissolution of parliament, early elections were called to address issues like corruption and governance
Gen Z Supporters
Establishment Politicians
Leadership Representation
Gen Z Supporters
Support for new, younger leaders who represent change and reform.
Establishment Politicians
Preference for experienced politicians with established track records.
Political System
Gen Z Supporters
Advocate for systemic changes to reduce corruption and improve governance.
Establishment Politicians
Believe in gradual reforms within the existing political framework.
- Number of Candidates
- Over 2500
- Constituencies
- 165
- Election Date
- March 5
- Political Parties Registered
- 125
- Key Issues
- Corruption, Economic Transformation, Good Governance, Restoration of Monarchy
- Notable Candidates
- Balendra Shah, KP Sharma Oli, Gagan Kumar Thapa, Rabi Lamichhane, Kamal Thapa, Pushpakamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Madhav Kumar Nepal, Baburam Bhattarai
- Electoral Systems
- First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) and Proportional Representation (PR)
