Nepal is holding a general election today in what is being described as a historic vote, coming after the collapse of the government led by former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
The political reset follows protests led by young people in September last year, after which Oli stepped down. An interim administration was then formed under former Supreme Court judge Sushila Karki.
Amid continuing political uncertainty, around 18.9 million voters are set to choose members for the 275-seat House of Representatives.
The monarchist-aligned Rastriya Swatantra Party has named former Kathmandu mayor Balen, 35, as its prime ministerial candidate. In the Unified Marxist–Leninist party, Oli is again contesting as the prime ministerial face.
The election is also reflecting competing public demands, with many seeking change and the rise of younger leaders, while another section continues to call for the return of the monarchy abolished in 2008.
