Nepal’s Election Commission has announced that 125 political parties have so far registered to participate in the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections, the first since mass protests toppled the government in September.
The commission’s spokesperson, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, confirmed on Wednesday that registration is still ongoing, with new and existing parties seeking to contest the March 2026 polls.
“We are working with the belief that all political parties and citizens are eager to bring new leadership to the country through the election,” Bhattarai said.
While many of the registered parties are long-established, several newly formed groups emerged from the youth-led anti-corruption demonstrations that erupted earlier this year.
The protests, originally sparked by a temporary ban on social media, swiftly spread nationwide, fueled by grievances over economic hardship and corruption.
The unrest left at least 73 people dead and resulted in significant damage to state institutions, including parliament and judicial buildings.
In the aftermath, former chief justice Sushila Karki, 73, was appointed interim prime minister to oversee the transition and coordinate preparations for the national election. Karki recently convened discussions involving major political parties and youth representatives in an effort to restore trust in the political process.
Despite these steps, Nepal faces ongoing uncertainty. The World Bank warned in October that the country’s fragile economy is likely to slow further amid political instability, forecasting a decline in growth to 2.1%.
The bank also noted that 82% of Nepal’s workforce remains in informal employment, with GDP per capita estimated at $1,447 in 2024.
Bhattarai said the Election Commission is committed to ensuring that the polls are credible and secure.
“The commission is determined to conduct the election in a peaceful, impartial and fear-free environment,” he stated.
The final list of registered parties is expected to be released after the November 18 deadline.
