Nepal Election Results: March 2026
Nepal’s nationwide election for the House of Representatives took place on March 5, 2026, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. This election is the first national vote since the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli following youth-led protests that called for change.
Polling stations were open from 07:00 to 17:00 GMT, with approximately 19 million Nepalis eligible to vote, including around 800,000 first-time voters. The Election Commission plans to announce the outcomes of the 165 first-past-the-post seats within 24 hours after polls close.
Voter turnout in the election was estimated at 60%, and the election was conducted peacefully, although some isolated incidents of obstruction were reported. The House of Representatives consists of 275 members, with 165 elected through first-past-the-post and 110 through proportional representation.
This election follows significant unrest and protests in September 2025, which led to the resignation of the previous Prime Minister. The protests, driven largely by the youth, resulted in 77 lives lost, highlighting the urgent demand for political reform.
First-time voters expressed their motivations clearly. Luniva, a first-time voter, stated, “I came to vote mainly because of the protest and so many people gave their lives in the hope of a change, in hope of seeing a better Nepal.”
In the wake of the election, Balendra Shah remarked, “Because of you, democracy has won today,” emphasizing the significance of this electoral process in addressing the aspirations of the youth.
Puranjan Acharya, a political analyst, noted, “The election is critical to address the aspirations of the youths expressed during the Gen Z protests.” This sentiment reflects the broader hopes of a generation eager for change.
As the country awaits the official results, the atmosphere remains charged with anticipation and hope for a new political direction.
