Nepal’s voter registration rise showcases uncertainty

(MENAFN) In late November, hundreds of Nepalis lined up at government offices in Kathmandu to register for upcoming elections, reflecting a surge in voter interest amid political uncertainty. Many were young first-time voters, joining others who had missed previous registration opportunities. The Road Board Nepal office, among several government facilities repurposed for last-minute enrollment, became a hub for citizens eager to participate after months of political unrest.

Eighteen-year-old Nikesh Bhujel, a hotel management student from Dolakha district, waited three hours to register just before the extended deadline, while his friend Bishram Shrestha had already completed registration earlier in his home district of Sindhuli. Analysts note that roughly one-third of Nepal’s electorate is under 30, a demographic that could influence election outcomes and challenge long-standing political figures.

The push to register voters follows September’s youth-led protests, which toppled the KP Sharma Oli government and disrupted years of power-sharing among Nepal’s three major parties. Thousands of first-time voters are expected to cast ballots, with the Election Commission reporting that over 837,000 new voters have been added to the rolls.

Despite ongoing uncertainty about whether elections will proceed on schedule, citizens from diverse backgrounds—including housewives, drivers, laborers, students, and government employees—rushed to register in hopes of influencing the country’s political future. “Let’s hope,” Shrestha said, acknowledging that the timing ultimately depends on political parties and the government.

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