Gen Z surge tests Nepal’s old-guard politics in pivotal election

Nearly 19 million Nepalese voters, including almost a million first-timers, took part in the country’s first general election since last year’s youth-led protests toppled the government; turnout was expected around 60% as ballots are counted by hand across rugged terrain. The race pits veteran parties led by KP Sharma Oli and Gagan Thapa against Gen Z-backed contenders like Balen Shah, reflecting widespread anger over corruption and economic stagnation. Counting for 275 seats will take several days, with 165 decided by first-past-the-post and 110 by proportional representation; results are not expected until next week.