Nepal Election Results 2026 Live Updates: Balen Shah's party heads toward landslide victory, KP Oli stares at losing his own seat

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live: India expresses hope for stability under new leadership

The Indian government has signalled its readiness to work with the incoming administration in Kathmandu as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) nears a historic victory.

Speaking in Delhi, ministry of external affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India looks forward to building on "robust multifaceted ties" for mutual benefit. Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace and stability in the Himalayan nation, noting that New Delhi provided the requested logistical supplies to support the conduct of these pivotal elections.

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live: From Mayor to PM? The strategic rise of 'Balen' Shah

While Shah was the popular choice to lead the interim government immediately after the ouster of KP Sharma Oli, he reportedly declined the caretaker role.

Shah opted instead to seek a full mandate through the ballot box, joining the RSP in January and quickly becoming the face of their campaign.

His decision appears to have paid off, with the 35-year-old engineer now poised to lead a nation that has seen 14 different governments in just 18 years.

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live: Shram Sanskriti and minor parties carve out leads

While the RSP dominates the headlines with leads in 110 constituencies, smaller political entities are also making their mark on the new parliamentary landscape.

The Shram Sanskriti Party is currently leading in six constituencies, signaling a diversification of the legislative body. Additionally, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and the Progressive Democratic Party have each maintained a lead in one constituency.

These shifts come as the RSP shatters the long-standing dominance of the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress, both of whom were part of the coalition toppled by protesters last year.

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live: Analysts call early results a 'dramatic upset' for traditional parties

Kunda Dixit, publisher of the Nepali Times, describes the early trends as a "bigger upset than expected," reflecting deep public disenchantment with Nepal’s veteran politicians.

The surge for the RSP is being viewed as a direct response to the "Gen Z" protests of 2025, which were fueled by economic grievances and anger over corruption.

Observers suggest that if the RSP can reach the "magic number" of 138 seats, it would allow Balen Shah to form a government potentially composed of technocrats.

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live: Election Commission reports peaceful counting across Himalayan nation

Prakash Nyupane, a spokesperson for the Election Commission, confirmed Friday evening that the counting process is proceeding in a "peaceful manner" throughout the country.

From the snow-capped mountain regions to the southern plains bordering India, the transition from polling to tallying has remained calm.

This stability follows a turbulent year marked by the deadly September 2025 uprising, which saw at least 77 deaths and widespread damage to government infrastructure.

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live: The rise of Balendra Shah

Balen Shah, a former rapper and engineer, is set to lead the Himalayan nation following a decisive electoral sweep.

This election follows the "Gen-Z unrest" of last September, which resulted in the toppling of the KP Sharma Oli government.

The preceding protests were marked by tragedy, with at least 77 people killed after police opened fire on demonstrators.

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live: RSP confident in two-thirds majority

Speaking from a counting center on the outskirts of Kathmandu, RSP Vice President Dol Prasad Aryal expressed high confidence in the final tally. "We are expecting one hundred and eighty-six seats in total," Aryal told news agency ANI on Friday afternoon.

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live: RSP on brink of landslide victory as 'Balen' wave sweeps polls

Hundreds of supporters have flooded the streets across Nepal in celebration as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra "Balen" Shah, nears an absolute two-thirds majority in the parliamentary elections.

Supporters gathered at counting centers, dancing and ringing bells—the party’s official symbol—in honor of the man poised to become the nation’s next Prime Minister.

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live: 60% voter turnout in elections, Nepal EC says

Nepal election commission said that it estimates around 60% of the country’s 19 million registered voters turned out in Thursday’s election, which is the nation’s first parliamentary elections since the Gen Z-led protests that led collapse of the KP Sharma Oli-led coalition regime last year, according to BBC.

Nepal Election Result 2026 Live: Balendra Shah extends massive lead over KP Sharma Oli in Jhapa-5

RSP leader Balendra Shah has widened his lead over CPN-UML chair and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli in Jhapa-5, securing 13,654 votes as counting continues in Nepal’s parliamentary election.

Shah is leading Oli by more than 10,000 votes who has received 3,011 votes, while Samir Tamang of the Shram Sanskriti Party is in third place with 1,517 votes, according to The Kathmandu Post.

Nepal Elections Result 2026: Nepali Congress secures two seats in latest trends

The Nepali Congress party has won two seats in Gandaki province, as it leads on over 8 constituencies according to the latest figures cited by The Kathmandu Times.

These are the two candidates who have won their seats,

Tek Bahadur Gurung won from Manang- 1. He secured 2,415 and had a victory margin of 1,961.

Yogesh Gauchan Thakali won from Mustang- 1. He won by 1,501 after securing 3,307.

Nepal Elections Results 2026: Pushpa Kamal Dahal wins his seat in Rukum East-1

The Nepali communist party has won one seat in Lumbini province, as it leads in over 8 constituencies according to the latest figures cited by The Kathmandu Times.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal won from Rukum East- 1. He secured 10,240 and had a victory margin of 6,778.

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Nepal Elections Results 2026: RSP wins three seats in Kathmandu

The RSP has secured three of Kathmandu's parliamentary seats in Bagmati province, as it leads on over 110 constituencies according to the latest figures cited by The Kathmandu Times.

These are the candidates who have won their seats,

Ranju Neupane won from Kathmandu- 1. He secured 15,455 and had a victory margin of 9,091.

Shishir Khanal, won from Kathmandu- 6. He 27,916 and had a victory margin of 21,249.

Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, won from Kathmandu- 8, with bagging 24,592 and a victory margin of 21,375.

Nepal Elections Results 2026: Balendra Shah leads KP Oli by over 8,000 votes in Jhapa-5

The RSP has seen an eruption in popularity in the Nepal's parliamentary elections, following the Gen Z movement in September. Almost all seven provinces favour the RSP candidate.

According to latest vote count results, the RSP currently leads by at least 106 seats. Balendra (Balen) Shah is leading in Jhapa 5 against CPN-UML president and former prime minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, Rabi Lamichhane in Chitwan 2, and Sobita Gautam in Chitwan 3 against Renu Dahal, daughter of former prime minister and Nepali Communist Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

According to The Kathmandu Times, Shah received 10,466 votes, while KP Sharma Oli, the CPN-UML candidate, received 2,205 votes.

The RSP has stated that Indira Rana Magar is the leading candidate in Jhapa Constituency-2. She received 1,599 votes, while CPN-UML candidate Devraj Ghimire received 275 votes.

The RSP leads in all Kathmandu Valley constituencies. With over 12,000 votes, Ranju (Darshana) Neupane is on the verge of winning Kathmandu-1 for the first time.Sasmit Pokharel of the RSP leads by a large margin (5985) against Pradip Paudel (1840) of the Nepali Congress in Kathmandu.

According to Election Officer Chapala Pokhrel, RSP candidate Shishir Khanal currently leads with 5,771 votes in Kathmandu-6. Similarly, Nepali Congress (NC) candidate Krishna Baniya has 1,310 votes, while CPN (UML) candidate Aman Kumar Maskey has 1,086 votes.RSP candidate Ganesh Parajuli leads in Kathmandu-7 with 4,677 votes, according to Election Officer Sabita Sharma. Prakash Shrestha, a CPN (UML) candidate, received 904 votes, while Pramodhari Guragain of the Nepali Congress received 720.

Preliminary results from Kathmandu-8 show that Biraj Bhakta Shrestha of the RSP continues to lead with 7,617 votes, while Suman Sayami of the Nepali Communist Party has 938 votes. Sapana Rajbhandari of the Nepali Congress received 893 votes, according to Election Officer Samjhana Khanal.

RSP candidate Pradip Bista leads with 5,765 votes in Kathmandu-10, while Himal Karki of the Nepali Congress has 1,078 votes, according to the election officer. Amrita Kumari Sharma. Balaram Thapa of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party received 953 votes.

According to the most recent results from the District Election Office, the RSP has taken the lead in Bhaktapur Constituencies 1 and 2.

In Constituency-1, Rukesh Ranjit of RSP received 3,452 votes, Prem Suwal of Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party received 1,982 votes, and Kiran Neupane of Nepali Congress received 519 votes.

In Constituency-2, Rajiv Khatri of the same party received 3,060 votes, Mahesh Basnet of CPN-UML received 1,573 votes, and Kabir Rana of Nepali Congress received 484 votes.

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Nepal Elections Results 2026: RSP crosses century mark in early trends, leads on 105 seats

Early vote counting across Nepal shows the RSP leading in 105 constituencies, with one victory so far, according to The Kathmandu Post.

The Nepali Congress has secured one win and is leading in 10 constituencies. CPN-UML is ahead in 12 constituencies, while the Nepali Communist Party leads in 10. The Shram Sanskriti Party has a lead in four constituencies, and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Janata Samajbadi Party–Nepal each lead in one constituency. Two independent candidates are also in the lead in their respective areas.

Counting is ongoing in several constituencies, and the final outcome is expected to evolve as more votes are tallied.

Nepali Congress vice president says party conceded defeat in general elections

As the results for Nepal's parliamentary elections continue to trickle in vice president of Nepali Congress said on Friday, that party conceded defeat in general elections.

Nepal Elections Results: RSP secures first win, Nepali Congress bags wins one as well

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is leading in 96 constituencies and has secured one victory, according to the latest results from the ongoing vote count.

The Nepali Congress has also won one seat and is currently ahead in 10 constituencies.

Nepal Elections Results 2026: Balendra Shah RSP dominates Morang

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidates are leading in five of Morang's six constituencies. In one constituency, the Shram Sanskriti Party's candidate leads.

According to the Office of the Returning Officer, Yagyamani Neupane of the RSP leads Constituency 1 with 4,125 votes. Krishna Bahadur Karki of the RSP is leading Constituency-2 with 1,181 votes, reported The Himalayan Times.

In Constituency-3, Anil Magar of the Shram Sanskriti Party leads with 590 votes.

In Constituency-4, Santosh Rajbanshi of the RSP leads by a large margin, with 10,771 votes.Asha Jha of the RSP leads Constituency-5 with 3,983 votes, while Rubina Acharya of the RSP leads Constituency-6 with 4,679 votes.

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Nepal Elections Results 2026: KP Sharma Oli continues to trail in Jhapa-5 against Balendra Shah

RSPs senior leader Balendra Shah is leading by a wide margin in Jhapa-5, according to the preliminary vote count.

Shah has secured 5,254 votes, far ahead of CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli, who has 1,248 votes, and Nepali Congress leader Mandhara Chimariya, with 185 votes, according to The Kathmandu Post.

Meanwhile, Nepali Communist Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal is maintaining a strong lead in Rukum East-1.

Dahal has received 4,398 votes, well ahead of Nepali Congress candidate Kusum Devi Thapa, who has 1,261 votes, and CPN-UML’s Lilamani Gautam, with 907 votes.Counting is ongoing in both constituencies.

Nepal Election Results: How voting turned out in Nepal elections

Nepal’s snap parliamentary election on Thursday saw a notable surge in participation from younger voters, signalling how last year’s protest movement has carried into formal politics.

As polling took place across the Himalayan nation, large numbers of Gen Z voters — many of whom had taken part in the September demonstrations that transformed Nepal’s political landscape — queued outside polling stations set up in schools, temples and community halls. Some travelled for days from remote districts to reach their constituencies.

Kathmandu’s usually crowded streets were largely deserted after the Election Commission imposed its customary ban on vehicles for polling day, leaving many voters to walk the final stretch.

Acting chief election commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said preliminary turnout had crossed 60% by 5pm and could rise further once figures from mountainous regions arrive. Nepal’s 275-seat parliament includes 110 proportional representation seats, meaning final results may take several days as ballots are transported from distant areas.

Nepal Elections Results 2026: RSP continues to surge ahead

According to the latest trends, here are what the numbers stand like

Rastriya Swatantra Party - 95

Nepali Congress - 10

Nepali Communist Party - 9

CPN-UML- 8

Others- 2

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Nepal Election Results 2026: RSP leads on 77 seats, heading for a landslide win

The RSP is leading in 77 constituencies across the Nepal in early vote counting, securing its position as the frontrunner as the results continue to trickle in for the ongoing parliamentary elections, according to The Kathmandu Post.

Nepali Congress has won one seat and is leading in eight others, while CPN-UML is ahead in seven constituencies.

Nepali Communist Party candidates hold the lead in six constituencies. Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Shram Sanskriti Party are leading in one constituency each.

A total of 67 political parties are contesting nationwide for 165 seats under the first-past-the-post category. Counting is ongoing.

Nepal Election Results 2026: Huge setback for KP Oli, as Balen Shah's RSP heads for sweep victory

Early results from Nepal’s high-stakes parliamentary election indicate a strong surge for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), signalling a possible political shift after the 2025 protests that brought down the previous government.

As counting continued on Friday, the RSP had taken a commanding lead with 90 seats, far ahead of its rivals. The Nepali Congress was trailing with nine seats, followed by CPN-UML with eight, while the Nepali Communist Party had secured seven. Other parties collectively held one seat in the early tally.

Election Commission spokesperson Prakash Nyupane said counting was proceeding peacefully across the Himalayan nation, from remote mountain districts to the southern plains bordering India.

The vote comes months after the September 2025 uprising, when youth-led protests erupted over corruption, unemployment and a brief social media ban. The unrest left at least 77 people dead and forced the government to step down, leading to an interim administration.

The election has drawn particular attention to the contest in Jhapa-5, where former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, is challenging veteran leader and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli.

More than 3,400 candidates contested 165 directly elected seats in the 275-member House of Representatives, with voter turnout reaching 59 per cent. Final nationwide results are expected to take several days.

Nepal Election Results: Balendra Shah-led RSP ahead on 70 seats; Ex-PM KP Oli trails

Early counting in Nepal’s crucial parliamentary election indicated a strong surge for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), as the country awaits a new government after the 2025 protests that toppled the previous administration.

Initial results showed the RSP taking a commanding lead with around 70 seats, far ahead of its rivals. The Nepali Congress was trailing with eight seats, followed by CPN-UML with six, while the Nepali Communist Party had three. Other parties collectively held three seats as counting continued across the Himalayan nation.

The vote tally has also highlighted several high-profile contests. In Jhapa-5, former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah of the RSP was leading with 5,254 votes, ahead of veteran Marxist leader and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli of CPN-UML, who had 1,248 votes. In Chitwan-2, RSP leader Rabi Lamichhane secured a strong lead with 9,234 votes, well ahead of rivals from the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML.

Elsewhere, Pushpa Kamal Dahal of the Nepali Communist Party was leading in Rukum East-1 with 4,398 votes, while Rajiv Khatri of the RSP had a commanding 7,002 votes in Bhaktapur-2. Other notable leads included Tosima Karki of the RSP in Lalitpur-3 with 6,972 votes, and Swarnim Wagle in Tanahun-1 with 2,928 votes.

Election officials said counting was proceeding peacefully from remote mountain districts to the southern plains bordering India, though full nationwide results could take several days.

The election follows the September 2025 uprising, when youth-led protests erupted over a social media ban and broader grievances about corruption and the struggling economy. The unrest left at least 77 people dead and forced the government from power.

Many voters hope the results will bring change. “A new leader should emerge who can guide our country and show a better path,” said Kathmandu voter Mira Ranjit, adding that the sacrifices made during the protests should not be forgotten.

Nepal Election Results: Nepal counts votes after key post-uprising election

Early vote counting in Nepal’s crucial parliamentary election indicated a potential political shift, with a rising party challenging the country’s long-established political forces. The election, held after the 2025 protests that toppled the previous government, is expected to reshape the leadership of the Himalayan nation.

Counting began on Friday and was progressing peacefully across the country, according to Election Commission spokesperson Prakash Nyupane. From remote mountain regions to the plains bordering India, officials continued tallying ballots cast to replace the interim government installed after the violent September 2025 uprising, in which at least 77 people were killed and government buildings were set ablaze.

Early trends suggested that the centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by rapper-turned-politician and former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, was performing strongly. Shah, widely known as Balen, has positioned himself as a symbol of youth-driven political change.

The election has drawn intense attention as several prominent figures compete for power. These include Marxist leader and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, seeking a political comeback, and Gagan Thapa, the newly elected head of the Nepali Congress party.

Nepal Election Results 2026: Balendra Shah-led RSP races ahead in early trends, ahead in 52 seats

Early results from Nepal’s parliamentary election show the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerging as the dominant force. The party has secured 52 seats so far, far ahead of its rivals. The Nepali Congress has won eight seats, while the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has taken four. The Nepali Communist Party has secured three seats, and other parties have collectively won one. Counting began on Friday after a closely contested vote held in the wake of the 2025 protests that toppled the previous government. Although these early figures suggest a strong performance by the RSP, the Election Commission is continuing the count and final nationwide results are expected in the coming days.

Nepal Election Results: Nepal's newly formed Rastriya Swantantra Party leads in early counting of votes

Nepal’s newly formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former rapper and ex-Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, was leading in early vote counting on Friday in the country’s first general election since the Gen Z protests that toppled the K P Sharma Oli-led government last year.

According to party sources, the RSP had won three seats and was leading in 45 of the 57 constituencies where counting was underway by 10 am. The party secured victories in Kathmandu-1, Kathmandu-7 and Kathmandu-8, though the Election Commission had yet to officially confirm the results.

Ousted prime minister Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (UML) was leading in five seats, while the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa was ahead in four. Former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’s’ party was leading in two seats.Nepal recorded around 60 per cent turnout in Thursday’s parliamentary election, with counting expected to conclude later on Friday.

Nepal Election Results: Vote counting begins in Nepal after a peaceful parliamentary election

Election officials in Nepal were counting votes on Friday, a day after parliamentary elections that marked the country’s first nationwide poll since a violent youth-led uprising forced the previous government from power in September.

The Election Commission said counting had begun in 53 of the 165 constituencies by Friday morning, with the remaining areas expected to start later in the day. Some ballot boxes are being transported by helicopter from remote mountain villages, where polling stations are accessible only after days of hiking.

Authorities expect results by the weekend, with voter turnout estimated at around 60 per cent.

Voters are directly electing 165 members to the 275-seat House of Representatives, while the remaining 110 seats will be allocated through proportional representation based on each party’s national vote share.

The election is widely viewed as a three-way contest between the long-dominant Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), and the newer National Independent Party led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, who has gained strong support among younger voters seeking political change.

Nepal Election Results: Nepal's newly formed Rastriya Swantantra Party leads in early counting of votes

Nepal’s newly formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was leading in early vote counting on Friday in the country’s first general election since last year’s violent Gen Z protests that toppled the coalition government led by K P Sharma Oli.

The RSP, led by former rapper and ex-Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, had won one seat and was leading in 36 others, according to preliminary results from 46 constituencies where counting was underway. The Nepali Congress was ahead in five seats, while Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (UML) led in three and the Nepali Communist Party in one.

RSP candidate Ranju Darshana secured a strong lead in Kathmandu-1, reportedly winning by a large margin, though the Election Commission has yet to confirm the result.

Nepal Election Results: Voting concludes peacefully in Nepal's first election since Gen Z protests for change

On Thursday, Millions of Nepalis voted in the country’s first general election since last year’s violent Gen Z protests that toppled the coalition government led by K P Sharma Oli. Issues such as corruption, governance and generational change in political leadership dominated the campaign in the politically fragile Himalayan nation.

Preliminary estimates suggested a turnout of around 60 per cent. Nepal’s acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said the vote for the House of Representatives was conducted peacefully, with only minor incidents reported.

Nepal Election Results: Balendra Shah-led RSP leading in 41 seats as per initial results

Vote counting began late on Thursday night following Nepal’s parliamentary elections, according to the Election Commission, with the final results expected by Friday night.

Early trends show the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leading with 41 seats, while the Nepali Congress has secured three seats so far. The Nepali Communist Party has won two seats, and the Shram Sanskriti Party has taken one seat, while other parties are yet to register victories in the initial count.

The election for Nepal’s House of Representatives drew an estimated 60 per cent voter turnout on Thursday. It was the country’s first national vote since the violent Gen Z-led protests last year that forced the collapse of the coalition government led by former prime minister K P Sharma Oli.

Nepal Election Results: 'Elect those who are on side of peace, good governance,' says Ex-PM KP Oli

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said Nepal’s general election must help restore stability and democratic order, while expressing confidence that his party will secure a strong mandate. The nationwide vote held on Thursday was largely peaceful.

Oli, chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), said the election carried significant responsibility for maintaining peace and reassuring citizens that normal life could resume after months of political turmoil.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Oli said, "This election has to maintain peace and order and ensure the public that normalcy is back in the nation so that people can continue their business and activities without fear or restraints."

He added that the vote should help restore democratic stability in the country. "This election should reinstate the Loktantra, and anarchic as well as violent activities should be put to an end. It should again bring the country back to the democratic track and lead the nation and the public to the path of stability."

Calling for the election of leaders committed to peace, governance and development, he said, "This election should elect those who are on the side of peace, good governance and development, the experienced, patriotic, democratic and progressive forces, with a landslide victory."

He added, "This election has extraordinary responsibility because it is being held after an unusual situation and has to be held. This election has the responsibility to transform the unusual situation to usual. I am confident that this election will work on that front."

Nepal Election 2026: Nepal counts votes after key post-uprising election

Counting began across Nepal on Friday following a closely fought parliamentary election that could reshape the country’s political leadership after the 2025 protests that forced the government from power. Among those competing for influence are a Marxist former prime minister seeking a political comeback, a rapper-turned-mayor appealing strongly to younger voters, and the recently elected leader of the influential Nepali Congress party.

Election Commission spokesman Prakash Nyupane said the counting process had started peacefully in most areas. While some early results were expected later on Friday, final nationwide tallies may take several days. Even once results are confirmed, negotiations to form a government could be prolonged if no party secures a clear majority, as many analysts anticipate.

Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki praised the orderly conduct of the vote, calling it vital for “determining our future”. The election will decide who replaces the interim administration formed after the September 2025 uprising, when at least 77 people were killed and government buildings were set ablaze.

The unrest was driven largely by youth-led demonstrations that began over a temporary social media ban but quickly broadened into protests against corruption and economic hardship. With a turnout of 59 per cent, voters now hope the election will produce leadership capable of guiding Nepal towards a more stable and promising path.

Nepal Election Results: RSP leading in 23 seats as per initial results

The Rastriya Swotantra Party is leading in 23 seats, while the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML are ahead in three seats each, according to preliminary election results. Vote counting began late on Thursday night, the Election Commission said, and is expected to conclude by Friday night.

Nepal Election 2026: Party of Kathmandu's former mayor Balen Shah, a PM candidate, posing tough challenge

The newly formed Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP) led by former rapper Balendra Shah, who was also the mayor of Kathmandu, is posing a tough challenge to two traditional political parties - the Nepali Congress party and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist).

The RSP, formed in 2022, has received significant support during the campaign, and Shah is said to be a strong candidate for prime minister. On the other hand, the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) were part of the government toppled by the "Gen Z" last year.

Nepali Congress president Gagan Thapa is the prime ministerial candidate of his party, whereas the CPN (UML) has projected Oli as its PM face. (PTI)

Nepal Election Results: Nepal Police says 'no major issues' during polling

Nepal Police confirmed that apart from minor disagreements at a few locations, no serious problems had occurred.

"Some jostling is expected during elections, but no major issues have arisen. We are ensuring that the voting process remains peaceful throughout the day," Police spokesperson Abi Narayan Kafle said.

"Voting started in all the constituencies, including the southern plains, hilly area, and the mountain region at 7 am," Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said.

"The election started in a peaceful environment across the country," he added. (PTI)

Nepal Election Results: How many candidates contested Nepal polls?

According to The Kathmandu Post, 1,89,03,689 voters registered to decide the fate of 6,541 candidates vying for the 275-seat House of Representatives.

This was an increase of 915,119 voters since 2022, with 52% belonging to the 18-40 youth demographic.

Of the candidates, 3,406 contested under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system and 3,135 through proportional representation.

Within the FPTP category, 65 parties fielded 2,263 contenders for 165 seats, while 1,143 individuals stood as independents. (ANI)

Nepal Election Results: Polling in Nepal's first general elections since deadly 'GenZ' protests closes

Polls closed on Thursday in Nepal's first general election since deadly 2025 anti-corruption protests toppled the government, AFP reported.

Gates were shut at polling centres, where ballot boxes will now be collected under guard and taken to a centre in each constituency, before counting begins.

Some winners are expected to published as early as Friday, but full results are likely to take several days.

Nepal Election 2026: 24% voter turnout till 1 pm

Around 24% of voters had cast their ballots by 1 pm on Thursday in Nepal’s parliamentary elections, with polling underway peacefully across the country, the Nepal Election Commission said.

Nepal Election Results: 'Youth participation has been unprecedented,' says Nepal Congress candidate Sachin Thapa

"I think youth, in general, have been pretty excited about this election. They have come in with a lot of interest in politics. And that's how I see it. And they have been involved in all the discussions as well," Timalsena added, noting that this shift is critical given that Nepal's median age is 24,"

Nepali Congress parliamentary candidate Sachin Timalsena told ANI.

"So, the participation of youth in this election has been unprecedented. That's what I believe it will be. If the youth choose a certain party as their leader or as their representative, the chances are that party will get elected," he added.

Nepal Election 2026: 'Nepal needs mature leadership,' says PM candidate Gagan Thapa

Nepali Congress (NC) President and prime ministerial candidate Gagan Thapa cast his vote on Thursday at the Maiti Devi Mandir polling station in Kathmandu during the 2026 general elections.

Speaking to ANI after casting his ballot, Thapa expressed optimism regarding his party's performance and underscored the necessity for stable governance.

"I'm quite excited, and I'm hoping for the best for my party. Nepal, at this point in time, needs very mature leadership, experienced as well as one that has an appetite for change," he stated.

Thapa, who is contesting a seat in the House of Representatives, recently made a significant strategic move by shifting from his former constituency, Kathmandu-4, to Sarlahi-4 in the Madhesh Province.

Highlighting his vision for the country's future, he remarked, "I have this appetite for change. I have a dream for change. But at the same time, I know our strengths, and I also know the limitations of Nepal as a nation-state."

The NC leader further noted the importance of understanding the country's unique geopolitical and social landscape.

"I know where we are situated. I know the diversity of Nepal. Politics needs to deliver. The government has to deliver. People have to feel that things cannot happen overnight, but positive change has started," Thapa explained.

Addressing concerns regarding national stability following recent periods of unrest, Thapa vowed to maintain democratic order.

"We will not allow anything like September 8 or 9 to happen," he asserted, referencing previous dates of significant civil disturbance.

Nepal Election 2026: 18% voter turnout recorded till noon

Nepal which went to polls on Thursday, the first since a violent Gen Z protest that toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led government last year, recorded a turnout of about 18% till noon, according to the Election Commission.

The Election Commission said that around 3.16 million people have exercised their franchise till 12 pm, with the voting process going smoothly.

Voting is ongoing smoothly across the country with minor incidents in a very few places, Election Commissioner Sagun Shumsher Rana was quoted as saying by the Kathmandu Post.

More than 18.9 million eligible Nepalese are exercising their franchise to elect the 275-member House of Representatives from among the 3,406 candidates vying for 165 seats under direct voting, and 3,135 candidates vying for 110 seats through proportionate voting.

The voting started at 7 am and will conclude at 5 pm. The counting will start immediately after the ballot boxes are collected. (PTI)

Nepal Election 2026: Polling underway for parliamentary elections across 77 districts

Polling for parliamentary elections is underway in Nepal, with voting being held in a single phase across all 77 districts till 5 pm, as candidates from 65 political parties contest the polls.

Nepal Election 2026: 'My duty is completed,' says Nepal's interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki

Nepal election 2026: Former PM KP Sharma Oli casts his vote

Former Prime Minister and CPN-UML prime ministerial candidate, KP Sharma Oli, also lined up at the polling station, casting his vote in Bhaktapur during Nepal’s 2026 general elections.

Nepal election 2026: Massive security and tough logistics as Nepal goes to poll

Following last year’s violent protests, Nepal’s authorities have implemented a massive security operation for the election. Over 340,000 personnel, including nearly 150,000 temporary “election police,” are deployed nationwide. Vehicles are banned on polling day, and campaign activities have been suspended to maintain order. Logistical challenges add to the complexity. In the country’s mountainous terrain, ballot boxes from remote areas often have to be carried by hand or flown in by helicopter, which can slow down the counting process. The combination of tight security and difficult terrain makes this election one of Nepal’s most challenging in recent history.

Nepal election 2026: Millions line-up for high stake elections

Thursday’s election is being closely watched as a key test of whether Nepal’s political system can meet the demands of last year’s youth-driven protests. Nearly 18.9 million voters are registered, an increase of over 900,000 since the 2022 polls. More than half are aged between 18 and 40, giving younger voters significant influence over the results.

A total of 6,541 candidates are contesting 275 seats in the House of Representatives. Of these, 165 are filled through direct first-past-the-post voting, while the remaining 110 seats are allocated via proportional representation. The outcome of this election will be a crucial indicator of whether Nepal’s political landscape can respond to calls for change.

Nepal Elections 2026: 6% voter turnout by 9.30 am in Nepal’s first post-protest election

Voting in Nepal started at 7 am across all 165 constituencies under tight security and will continue until 5 pm. Over 18.9 million voters are electing 275 House of Representatives members from more than 6,500 candidates. By 9.30 am, the Election Commission reported around six per cent voter turnout, with counting set to begin once ballots are collected.