After the political shift triggered by the September 8 Gen Z protest, Nepal’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. The interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has announced national elections for March 5, 2026, setting a clear timeline for the country’s next political course. Many believe the polls will bring an end to the prolonged transition and return Nepal to a constitutional track.
While the government remains committed to holding elections on time, some political observers question whether the current environment will allow the process to unfold smoothly. Nonetheless, conducting elections at this juncture is essential—not only to end uncertainty but also to firmly restore the country to its constitutional and democratic path. A credible election carries both symbolic and practical significance: it signals a return to political normalcy, stabilises institutions, rebuilds public trust in the state, and creates the foundation for improved governance and service delivery that Nepalis increasingly demand.
A History of Choosing the Ballot
Nepal’s early democratic experiment faltered when King Mahendra dissolved the elected parliament in 1960 and introduced the party-less Panchayat system, under which political parties were banned from contesting elections under their symbols and ideologies. Even during the Panchayat era, however, voting continued within a tightly controlled framework, keeping the culture of electoral participation alive.
Over the past six decades, Nepali citizens have repeatedly turned to the ballot to engage with the state and shape political mandates. The restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990 re-established electoral practice, leading to parliamentary elections in 1991, 1994, and 1999, all of which recorded voter participation above 60 percent. These elections laid the foundation for organised political engagement, strengthened party structures, increased political awareness, and entrenched periodic elections as a core democratic norm.
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Even amid instability, Nepal sustained its commitment to elections. The 2008 Constituent Assembly (CA) election was held despite security concerns and the integration of former rebel forces into politics. The second CA election took place under extraordinary circumstances after the assembly was dissolved, with then Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi leading the interim government—an unusual situation in which one individual effectively headed two branches of the state. Despite the uncertainty, Nepalis once again chose ballots over instability, reinforcing elections as the country’s preferred mechanism for resolving political crises. This process ultimately culminated in the promulgation of the 2015 Constitution.
The 2017 federal, provincial, and local elections under the new constitution marked another milestone. For the first time, a full five-year parliamentary term was completed under the new framework. While governance outcomes remain open to debate, the successful conduct of these elections demonstrated Nepal’s gradual move towards regular, institutionalised governance. Time and again, Nepalis have used elections to shape their political future, reflecting a rational commitment to democratic continuity.
The Reform Debate
Looking ahead, electoral reforms such as out-of-country voting have emerged as major public demands. Millions of Nepalis living abroad remain politically aware but are excluded from direct participation. Similarly, the idea of including a NOTA (None of the Above) option on the ballot is gaining traction as a way for voters to formally reject all candidates. While these reforms are important, they are unlikely to be implemented immediately. Even so, a functioning parliament is essential to advance such changes.
There are signs of cautious optimism. A total of 132 political parties have registered with the Election Commission to contest the March elections, and more than 800,000 first-time voters are expected to cast their ballots. Even as the CPN-UML challenges the interim government, its mobilisation can still be seen as part of election preparation. However, a high number of parties alone does not guarantee voter turnout. Participation ultimately depends on trust, access, and motivation—factors that require cooperation and mutual confidence among political actors.
Voter turnout in Nepal has declined in recent years. According to the International IDEA database, turnout stood at 78 percent in 2013, dropped to 68 percent in 2017, and fell further to 61 percent in 2022. While this trend is concerning, voting remains a vital instrument for protecting and strengthening democracy.
The Way Forward
Reversing declining voter participation will require more than general appeals. Targeted civic education campaigns and engagement across sectors can help revive enthusiasm. Political parties have a crucial role to play by engaging directly with voters, clearly presenting policy choices, promoting political awareness, and rebuilding trust that every vote truly counts. The government, political parties, media, civil society, and the private sector must all contribute constructively to increasing meaningful participation.
Internal party reforms and transparent candidate selection processes can also boost turnout, particularly at a time when many citizens feel elections merely recycle old faces and preserve the status quo. Parties must demonstrate renewal by promoting new leadership and distancing themselves from entrenched or corrupt power structures. Clear communication of such efforts can motivate voters to re-engage.
Government institutions, meanwhile, can facilitate higher turnout by making voter registration and polling more accessible and user-friendly. Transparent election management and trust-building initiatives can reassure citizens that their participation has real impact. Given persistent security challenges, the state should work closely with community institutions—such as mothers’ groups, youth clubs, and local organisations—to promote the importance of voting.
Media houses and civil society organisations also have a vital role. By providing clear, unbiased information and highlighting reforms, emerging leadership, and community initiatives, they can inspire confidence and encourage participation.
Ultimately, strengthening voter participation is a collective task. When political parties demonstrate reform, the government ensures security and fairness, and media and civil society promote credible information, citizens begin to see elections not as formal rituals but as genuine instruments of change. At a time when public trust is fragile, restoring faith in the value of the vote may be Nepal’s most important democratic reform.
