Pokhara, 3 March | Breaking through the political uncertainty triggered by the Gen Z movement, Nepal has finally arrived at the doorstep of a crucial general election that promises to reshape the nation’s future. The formal campaigning period, which was granted by the Election Commission since February 16, is set to conclude at midnight tonight. This transition marks the beginning of a strict 60-hour silent period, leading up to the commencement of polling on March 5 (Phagun 21) starting at 7:00 AM. In a significant move toward modernizing the electoral process, the Commission has announced its readiness to deliver final results within 24 hours of the completion of voting. This means the country is only days away from receiving a fresh public mandate. Government Minister Madhav Prasad Chaulagain shared with media outlets that despite numerous suspicions and hurdles, the government’s persistent efforts, supported by the youth, civil society, and security agencies, have successfully paved the way for a peaceful electoral exercise.
This election stands out from previous cycles due to its unique dynamics and the absence of traditional pre-poll alliances. Unlike the 2017 and 2022 elections, where major political forces formed massive coalitions, this time most parties are testing their strength independently. While the CPN-UML and the Nepal Communist Party have managed some local adjustments, the Nepali Congress has taken the bold step of fielding candidates in all 165 constituencies. The aftermath of the Gen Z uprising created a political environment where voters demanded transparency and clear ideologies, making it difficult for parties to hide behind alliances. A fascinating development in this cycle is the “Prime Ministerial Projection” trend. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) revolutionized the campaign by declaring former Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah as their candidate for Prime Minister. This move forced established giants like the Nepali Congress to project Gagan Thapa and CPN-UML to stick with KP Sharma Oli as their prospective leaders, turning the election into a presidential-style referendum on leadership.
The Nepali Congress has strategically branded itself under the slogan “Changed Congress, Changing the Country,” aiming to tap into the spirit of the youth-led Gen Z movement. By sidelining five-time Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and promoting Gagan Thapa, the party hopes to send a message of internal reform and modernization. The party has even passed a progressive “1-2-3-4” policy, restricting terms for the President, Prime Minister, Ministers, and MPs to demonstrate its commitment to leadership rotation. Party spokesperson Devraj Chalise claims a massive wave of support across the country, particularly in major cities where Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have been the primary attractions. Conversely, the CPN-UML has adopted a more defensive and traditionalist stance. Branding the recent civil unrest as “destruction,” the UML, led by KP Sharma Oli, has urged voters to choose “construction over chaos.” However, their slogan “First the building burned, then the bullets flew” faced severe backlash and trolling on social media for being insensitive to the protesters’ grievances.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party, meanwhile, has emerged as a formidable challenger to the status quo. The entry of Balen Shah and his 60/40 power-sharing ratio with Ravi Lamichhane has infused the party with unprecedented momentum. Claiming a target of 151 seats, the RSP has centered its campaign on retiring older leaders and bringing professional efficiency to Singha Durbar. Balen’s intensive nationwide roadshows across 50 districts have galvanized young voters who feel disconnected from traditional politics. On the other flank, the Nepal Communist Party, led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, remains a wildcard. While they haven’t projected a single PM candidate with the same vigor, Prachanda has hinted at a post-poll “Left Alliance” or cooperation with new forces to maintain stability and protect the constitution. As the campaigning ends tonight, the nation enters a period of quiet reflection. The silence of the next 60 hours will provide citizens the much-needed space to contemplate their choices before heading to the polls on March 5 to deliver a historic verdict.
