Nepal witnessed largely peaceful national election on March 5 with around 60 percent of eligible voters turning out to cast their ballots. Apart from a few scattered disputes reported in Dolakha, Sarlahi, Rautahat districts, overall voting process remained calm and orderly across the country.
People from different regions walked to polling stations early in the morning determined to participate in the democratic process. Many voters said they wanted to strengthen democracy and ensure stability in the country after months of political turmoil.
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Officials reported that voters showed enthusiasm throughout the day.
Strong participation from youth
One of the most noticeable features of this election was the strong participation of young voters. Many of the youths who had earlier taken part in the Gen Z protests that toppled the government of KP Sharma Oli last September also turned out in large numbers to vote.
Those protests had shaken the country and forced major political changes. Now the same young generation appeared eager to influence political future through ballot box instead of the streets.
Observers said the high youth turnout reflected shift from protest to participation. Young voters expressed hope that new leadership would address corruption, inequality and economic challenges.
What happened today
The voting process began at 7:00 in the morning at polling stations across the country. Security forces were deployed to maintain order and ensure a safe voting environment.
Security arrangements included personnel from the Nepali Army, Nepali Police, election police in addition to officials from National Investigation Department.
After entering polling stations, voters received two ballot papers. One ballot was used for First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system. Second ballot was for Proportional Representation (PR) system.
Through these ballots, voters chose candidates for 165 seats under the First-Past-the-Post system and 110 seats under the Proportional Representation system.
Counting of votes underway
Election officials said counting for the direct First-Past-the-Post votes began on the same day after polling ended. According to the election commission, results from these seats are expected within 24 hours once counting starts.
However, the counting of votes under the Proportional Representation system may take two to three additional days to complete.
Officials believe the process could move faster than previous elections if everything goes according to plan.
Nepal’s Federal Parliament System
Nepal follows a bicameral federal legislature system. The national parliament has two houses.
The upper house consists of 56 members elected through an electoral college. Three additional members are appointed by the President.
The lower house, known as the House of Representatives, has 275 members. These members are chosen directly by voters through mixed parallel election system. This combines First-Past-the-Post and Proportional Representation methods.
The election held today was mainly for selecting members of the House of Representatives, who will shape the country’s next government.
Interim government and promise of elections
Nepal has been governed by an interim administration led by former chief justice Sushila Karki. Her government came to power after the political crisis that followed the mass protests.
The interim leadership had promised to organise fresh elections and hand over authority to a newly elected government within six months. Today’s voting marked a crucial step toward fulfilling that promise.