KATHMANDU—Despite the biting Himalayan winter, Nepal’s political landscape is at a fever pitch. With the March 5, 2026, General Elections approaching, a historic generational shift is underway. For the first time, the dominant older leadership is being directly challenged by “Prime Ministerial” candidates under the age of 50, fueled by a “Gen Z” movement that reshaped the country’s politics last year.
The deadline for filing nomination papers is set for tomorrow, January 20, and all eyes are on the high-profile showdown in the eastern district of Jhapa.
1. The David vs. Goliath Battle: Jhapa-5
The most talked-about contest in the country is in Jhapa-5, where the “hardline” veteran will face off against the “youth icon.”
- The Veteran: K.P. Sharma Oli (74), Chairman of the CPN-UML and four-time PM. Oli has held this seat for most of the last three decades but faces a career-threatening challenge following his dramatic exit during the September 2025 protests.
- The Challenger: Balendra “Balen” Shah (35). The rapper-turned-structural engineer resigned as Mayor of Kathmandu on Sunday to join the Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP). Half of Oli’s age, Balen is campaigning on a platform of rapid modernization and anti-corruption.
2. A Three-Way Race for the PM’s Chair
Three distinct political forces have now projected their faces for the Prime Minister’s office:
| Candidate | Party | Age | Platform / Identity |
| K.P. Sharma Oli | CPN-UML | 74 | Conservative, Nationalist, Experience |
| Gagan Thapa | Nepali Congress (NC) | 49 | Reformist, “Spirit of Gen Z”, Dynamic |
| Balendra Shah | RSP / Independent Bloc | 35 | Tech-savvy, Urban Reformer, Rapper |
- Nepali Congress Internal Rift: While Gagan Thapa was elected party president last week, a faction led by former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba is currently challenging Thapa’s legitimacy in court, creating a “two-NC” crisis at the Election Commission.
3. The “Gen Z” Factor and the Ghost of September
The election is being held in the shadow of the September 2025 uprising, where 77 young protesters were killed during clashes with security forces.
- The Grievance: Youth voters blame the Oli-led government and the then-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak for “excessive use of force.”
- The Impact: Experts believe the “Gen Z” vote will be the deciding factor, favoring candidates like Balen Shah, Kulman Ghising (Ujyalo Nepal Party), and Harka Sampang (Mayor of Dharan).
4. Notable Emerging Figures
- Kulman Ghising: The man credited with ending Nepal’s “dark ages” of load-shedding. He represents a technocratic hope for the ethnic communities.
- Harka Sampang: Known for his grassroots labor-based leadership in Dharan, he remains a popular choice for anti-establishment voters outside the capital.