Nepal, nestled between two powerful neighbours—India and China—is heading to crucial national elections, drawing keen attention from political observers across Asia. The polls come at a time when debates over governance, political stability, and even the possible return of the monarchy have resurfaced in the Himalayan nation.
One of the most prominent figures in Nepal’s political landscape is Pushpa Kamal Dahal, widely known as Prachanda. The communist leader led the decade-long Maoist insurgency against the monarchy, which ultimately resulted in the overthrow of King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in 2006. Within two years, the country abolished its 240-year-old monarchy and formally became a multi-party federal democratic republic. Prachanda later became Nepal’s Prime Minister in 2008.
Now in his seventies, Prachanda continues to play a central role in national politics. He currently leads an alliance of several leftist groups under the banner of the Nepali Communist Party and hopes to revive his political influence alongside other prominent Marxist leaders, including Madhav Kumar Nepal.
Despite the promises of reform that accompanied the end of the monarchy, many citizens remain disillusioned with the country’s political system. Critics argue that corruption has increased in public life, while political instability has become a recurring problem. Over the past two decades, Nepal has witnessed frequent changes in government, with more than a dozen administrations taking power in Kathmandu. This instability has left many Nepalis frustrated and uncertain about the future.
Leaders Competing for Power
Several prominent leaders are now competing for the country’s top political post. Among them are former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli of the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist, young political figure Balendra Shah from the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, and Gagan Thapa of the Nepali Congress.
At the same time, a section of Hindu nationalist groups has renewed calls for restoring the monarchy—at least in a ceremonial capacity—replacing the current presidential system. Supporters argue that the monarchy once served as a unifying institution and symbol of national identity in the Hindu-majority country.
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has been the most vocal political force advocating the restoration of a constitutional monarchy and the re-establishment of Nepal as a Sanatani Hindu Rashtra. The party has fielded candidates across the country and continues to organise rallies in support of former king Gyanendra Shah, who now leads a relatively quiet private life in Kathmandu.
Whenever the former monarch travels outside the capital, pro-monarchy supporters often gather in large numbers, waving national flags, holding placards, and chanting slogans calling for the return of the royal institution. These gatherings reflect a growing sense of nostalgia among some sections of society who believe the monarchy once provided greater stability.
Calls for Free and Fair Elections
Meanwhile, Nepal’s election authorities and interim leadership have urged all stakeholders to ensure that the elections remain free, fair, and peaceful. Political parties and candidates have been asked to strictly follow the election code of conduct so that voters can exercise their democratic rights without pressure or misinformation.
Authorities have also warned against involving minors in election campaigns, stating that such practices violate both election regulations and child protection laws.
Polling is scheduled to take place from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on election day. Once voting concludes, ballot boxes will be transported to Kathmandu for counting. Results for the 165 seats elected through the direct voting system are expected within 24 hours, while the 110 proportional representation seats may take two to three days to be announced.
Former King’s Critical Remarks
Amid preparations for the election, former king Gyanendra Shah has expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s political situation and the conduct of current leaders. Speaking on the occasion of National Democracy Day, the ousted monarch questioned whether elections alone could resolve Nepal’s deep-rooted national challenges without broader political consensus.
He suggested that pushing ahead with polls while ignoring widespread public grievances may not produce lasting solutions to the country’s political crisis. According to him, democratic processes should function in accordance with constitutional principles while addressing the genuine concerns of citizens.
The former king also observed that a growing tendency to demand rights without recognising responsibilities has emerged in society. He argued that Nepal requires a governance system suited to its geography, culture, and social structure in order to ensure long-term stability and progress.
Paying tribute to King Tribhuvan and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for democracy, Gyanendra Shah called for a political framework capable of safeguarding Nepal’s national identity on the global stage.
As Nepal prepares for another decisive electoral exercise, regional powers such as India and China are closely watching the developments. Both countries maintain significant strategic interests in the Himalayan nation and will be carefully observing the political outcome.
For millions of Nepalis, however, the expectation remains clear: the emergence of a stable, progressive, and citizen-focused government capable of addressing economic hardships, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring national unity in the years ahead.
