Advertisement

Image: Niranjan Shrestha/AP Photo/picture alliance

Nepal

Nepal is holding the first elections since Gen Z protests ousted the nation's prime minister. The election is being closely monitored by neighbors India and China.

Skip next section All Content on this topic

All Content on this topic

wearing a black jacket and sunglasses, Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and the prime ministerial candidate for Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), greets his supporters from atop a white car, in Damak, Jhapa district, Nepal, March 7, 202

wearing a black jacket and sunglasses, Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and the prime ministerial candidate for Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), greets his supporters from atop a white car, in Damak, Jhapa district, Nepal, March 7, 202

Balen: From rebel outsider to Nepal's next prime minister

"Balen" Shah's historic leap from Kathmandu's streets to national power marks a dramatic shift in Nepali politics.

Prime Minister designate Balendra Shah commonly known as Balen waves national flag and dance after winning the Jhapa-5 constituency defeating former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on March 7, 2026

Prime Minister designate Balendra Shah commonly known as Balen waves national flag and dance after winning the Jhapa-5 constituency defeating former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on March 7, 2026

Nepal: Rapper-turned-politician set to become next PM

Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician, is all set to take over the reins of Nepal after the youth-led revolt 2025.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) election candidate Balendra Shah waits to collect a certificate for his victory in parliamentary elections

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) election candidate Balendra Shah waits to collect a certificate for his victory in parliamentary elections

Nepal: Gen Z buoys ex‑rapper's party to landslide victory

The vote follows amid youth protests over corruption that forced the last government from office.

Balendra Shah at a counting center

Balendra Shah at a counting center

Nepal: Rapper-turned-politician poised to become next PM

Balendra Shah's RSP party is set for a landslide election win after Gen Z-led protests toppled the previous government.

A uniformed man with a stick in his hand walks between two lines of voters in Damak, Nepal

A uniformed man with a stick in his hand walks between two lines of voters in Damak, Nepal

Nepal: Early vote returns suggest massive political shift

Voters have soured on establishment parties and early returns hint that newcomer party RSP may now take the reins.

Kamal Subedi, candidate of the Janadesh Party Nepal and Gen Z leader on the campaign trail in Kathmandu

Kamal Subedi, candidate of the Janadesh Party Nepal and Gen Z leader on the campaign trail in Kathmandu

Nepal's Gen Z look to reshape their nation's future

After deadly anti-corruption demonstrations in Nepal last September, Gen Z activists are now contesting elections.

Nepal marked on a map, with statues of an elephant and a dragon visible on either side

Nepal marked on a map, with statues of an elephant and a dragon visible on either side

Why Nepal's elections matter to India and China

After youth protests toppled Nepal's last government, the country is heading to the polls on March 5.

Demonstrators in Kathmandu holding placards during a protest against social media bans and corruption on September 8, 2025

Demonstrators in Kathmandu holding placards during a protest against social media bans and corruption on September 8, 2025

Nepal elections: Gen Z hopes for genuine political reforms

Nepal is gearing up for parliamentary elections, months after a youth-led uprising forced out the previous government.

A collage of protesters from Nepal and Bangladesh on a background of Hong Kong's 2014 Umbrella Movement

A collage of protesters from Nepal and Bangladesh on a background of Hong Kong's 2014 Umbrella Movement

From streets to change? A decade of Asia's youth protests

From Nepal to Bangladesh and Hong Kong, Asia's youth have shaken governments. DW examines 11 years of youth movements.

Young people between jobs crisis and a new beginning — MADE

Young people around the world are struggling to find jobs, opportunities - and recognition.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest

Jim Morrison first to ski down Everest's Hornbein Couloir

American skier Jim Morrison has descended the extremely steep and dangerous North Face of Mount Everest on skis.

Demonstrators shout slogans next to fire burning on the street during a Kathmandu rally on September 9, 2025

Demonstrators shout slogans next to fire burning on the street during a Kathmandu rally on September 9, 2025

Gen Z protests: Why are Asia's youth so angry?

As jobs dry up and inequality widens, youth protests are shaking even the region's most entrenched political systems.

A 'One Piece' pirate flag hangs on the gates of Nepal's parliament building, set on fire amid protests.

A 'One Piece' pirate flag hangs on the gates of Nepal's parliament building, set on fire amid protests.

What the 'One Piece' pirate flag means in Gen Z protests

How a flag from a Japanese anime series became a rallying symbol for Gen Z protest movements around the world.

Dozens of snow-covered tents stand at the advanced base camp at an altitude of 6,500 metres on Mount Everest.

Dozens of snow-covered tents stand at the advanced base camp at an altitude of 6,500 metres on Mount Everest.

Tibet: Rescued hiker recalls being stranded on Mount Everest

A snowstorm has stranded more than 200 trekkers on Mount Everest's Tibetan side, killing at least one person.

A man in Kathmandu in Nepal

A man in Kathmandu in Nepal

Nepal: Deadly landslides, flash floods kill dozens

Authorities say at least 44 people are dead and five are missing after villages were swept away in the Ilam district.

New Royal Living Goddess Aryatara Shakya face is shown beside a man who is carrying her

New Royal Living Goddess Aryatara Shakya face is shown beside a man who is carrying her

Nepal: New 2-year-old girl chosen as Living Goddess

Kumaris are chosen between the ages of 2 and 4 years old and live mostly in isolation within the temple until puberty.

Young Nepali Mausam Kulung looks at a panel showing photos of victims following riots in Kathmandu

Young Nepali Mausam Kulung looks at a panel showing photos of victims following riots in Kathmandu

Nepal's Gen Z protesters look to the future

A young protester told DW that the Gen Z fight "has only begun" after their movement ousted the Nepalese government.

Youths celebrate from the top of the Singha Durbar government building in Kathmandu

Youths celebrate from the top of the Singha Durbar government building in Kathmandu

What Nepal's Gen Z revolt means for India, China and US

A youth uprising in Nepal toppled the ruling coalition like a house of cards, leaving many observers baffled.

Demonstrators in Nepal's capital Kathmandu shout slogans during anti-government protests on September 9, 2025

Demonstrators in Nepal's capital Kathmandu shout slogans during anti-government protests on September 9, 2025

Gen Z protests in Asia: Can they spark real change?

Young people in many Asian countries are angry and demanding change, economic opportunities and an end to corruption.

Sushila Karki (R) greets Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel after taking the oath as interim prime minister at the presidential residence in Kathmandu, Nepal

Sushila Karki (R) greets Nepalese President Ram Chandra Poudel after taking the oath as interim prime minister at the presidential residence in Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal's first woman PM: Who is Sushila Karki?

Sushila Karki has become Nepal's first female interim PM. DW examines what her legacy means for the country's future.

Newly appointed first female interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki

Newly appointed first female interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki

Nepal's interim PM vows to end corruption

Former chief justice, Sushila Karki, urged "calm and cooperation" after days of violent protests.

Protesters vandalize Nepalese congress party central office in Kathmandu, holding up the Nepali flag

Protesters vandalize Nepalese congress party central office in Kathmandu, holding up the Nepali flag

Nepal's youth demand justice after deadly student protests

More than 50 people were killed and thousands wounded after security forces opened fire on crowds in Kathmandu.

People walk along a path at the Durbar Square in Kathmandu on September 13, 2025

People walk along a path at the Durbar Square in Kathmandu on September 13, 2025

Nepal: First woman PM takes charge, calm returns to streets

Nepal has appointed an interim Prime Minister after a week of fiery protests. Meanwhile, elections are set for March 5.

Nepali army soldiers patrol at the road near the Singha Durbar office complex that houses the Prime Minister's office and other ministries

Nepali army soldiers patrol at the road near the Singha Durbar office complex that houses the Prime Minister's office and other ministries

Nepal searches for a new leader as army takes control

After intense anti-graft protests forced the prime minister out, many Nepalis wonder who is now in charge.

A burnt building in Kathmandu

A burnt building in Kathmandu

Nepal: Death toll in anti-corruption protests rises

Police say the death toll during violent protests has risen to at least 51 people as Nepal names an interim leader.

Three protesters stand on top of Nepal's parliament building, which was attacked by protesters

Three protesters stand on top of Nepal's parliament building, which was attacked by protesters

Deadly protests rock Nepal

The army has announced an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu as it tries to bring normalcy to the city.

Demonstrators shout slogans during a protest in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025

Demonstrators shout slogans during a protest in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025

What's next for Nepal after deadly protests force PM out?

Nepal could face prolonged political chaos unless a national unity government is formed, say experts.

Anti-government protestors in Kathmandu

Anti-government protestors in Kathmandu

Nepal PM resigns as anti-corruption protests escalate

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned after the houses of several senior politicians were reportedly set on fire.

Young people with colorful protest signs rally in Kathmandu

Young people with colorful protest signs rally in Kathmandu

Multiple fatalities as Nepal police fire on protesters

Peaceful protests against the government's social media ban turned violent when police opened fire on the crowds.

Demonstrators climb on the barricade during a protest against social media bans and corruption

Demonstrators climb on the barricade during a protest against social media bans and corruption

Nepal police kill several people at 'Gen Z' protest

Police fired live rounds into crowds of anti-corruption protesters.

A group of students from the Nepal Student Union, affiliated with the Nepali Congress Party, hold placards and stage a symbolic demonstration against the Nepal government's decision to pass the Social Media Bill in the National Assembly in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2025.

A group of students from the Nepal Student Union, affiliated with the Nepali Congress Party, hold placards and stage a symbolic demonstration against the Nepal government's decision to pass the Social Media Bill in the National Assembly in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2025.

Nepal to block Facebook, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, others

Nepal's government said the platforms had so far failed to register with authorities amid a misuse crackdown.

Mountain range in Pakistan with Baltoro glacier down in the valley

Mountain range in Pakistan with Baltoro glacier down in the valley

How climate change is changing mountaineering

Laura Dahlmeier's fatal mountain accident in Pakistan shows that the objective dangers of mountaineering are increasing.

An electric taxi charging at an EV charging station in Kathmandu, Nepal

An electric taxi charging at an EV charging station in Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal: Why EVs are swiftly taking over Kathmandu's streets

Nepal is seeing a big rise in the use of electric vehicles due to tax incentives and air pollution concerns rise.

Demonstrators carrying Nepal's national flag take part in a pro-monarchy rally in Kathmandu on May 29, 2025

Demonstrators carrying Nepal's national flag take part in a pro-monarchy rally in Kathmandu on May 29, 2025

Nepal: Thousands in Kathmandu call for return of monarchy

Amid frustration with the status quo and economic situation, thousands of Nepalis are calling for the king to return.

Sherpa Kami Rita as he prepares to depart to ascend Mount Everest for the record 31st time on April 20, 2025

Sherpa Kami Rita as he prepares to depart to ascend Mount Everest for the record 31st time on April 20, 2025

'Everest Man' from Nepal claims record 31st summit

Sherpa guide Kami Rita has broken his own record for the most climbs of Mount Everest.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carry out an arrest at night in Georgia

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents carry out an arrest at night in Georgia

Bhutanese deported from the US again face statelessness

A group of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese are caught in limbo, with Nepal and Bhutan unwilling to provide them citizenship.

People wearing facemasks stand on the hilltop of Swayambhunath Stupa overlooking the city amid the ongoing air pollution in Kathmandu, Nepal April 7, 2025.

People wearing facemasks stand on the hilltop of Swayambhunath Stupa overlooking the city amid the ongoing air pollution in Kathmandu, Nepal April 7, 2025.

Nepal: Toxic haze blankets Kathmandu

Pollution levels are spiking in Nepal's Kathmandu, making it the world's most polluted capital.

Ang Kami Lama, former sherpa and owner of alpine lodges in Austria and Germany

Ang Kami Lama, former sherpa and owner of alpine lodges in Austria and Germany

From dishwasher to alpine lodge manager

A Sherpa from Nepal has realized his dream of owning an Alpine lodge in Europe.

Alpine lodge in Germany

Alpine lodge in Germany

Suspicious ships and digital nomads — MADE

What are Russian ships doing off the Baltic coast? Bankruptcies, counterfeits, and digital nomads.

Supporters of Nepal's monarchy wave flags at a rally on March 9, 2025

Supporters of Nepal's monarchy wave flags at a rally on March 9, 2025

Nepal's monarchy: Is a royal revival on the horizon?

Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008, but public frustration with the government has sparked calls for its return.

Several red gondolas of a cable car float up a mountain; numerous buildings can be seen on the ground in the background.

Several red gondolas of a cable car float up a mountain; numerous buildings can be seen on the ground in the background.

Nepal's cable cars aim for tourism growth at forest's risk

Nepal is hoping more cable cars will kick off a tourism boom. But activists say construction is endangering forests.

A demonstrator throws a stone at police during a protest against the proposed grant agreement from America under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), in Kathmandu on February 27, 2022

A demonstrator throws a stone at police during a protest against the proposed grant agreement from America under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), in Kathmandu on February 27, 2022

US aid freeze hits health, development projects in Nepal

It’s not clear how Nepal could fund these projects if Washington doesn’t resume financial aid.

The Nepalese prime minister, seen here in a photo from last month, said he was dispatching officers to the Indian university to defuse the situation

The Nepalese prime minister, seen here in a photo from last month, said he was dispatching officers to the Indian university to defuse the situation

KIIT: Nepalese student's death sparks anger at India college

Tensions rose after KIIT administration asked Nepalese students to leave the campus grounds.

Demonstrators hold placards demanding an amendment to the Social Media Bill tabled in the federal parliament of Nepal in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2025

Demonstrators hold placards demanding an amendment to the Social Media Bill tabled in the federal parliament of Nepal in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2025

Nepal's social media bill raises free speech concerns

Critics say Nepal's social media bill would stifle free speech, while granting the government sweeping powers.

Jost Kobusch

Jost Kobusch

Tibet earthquake: 'Everything was shaking'

German mountaineer Jost Kobusch was on Mount Everest when an earthquake hit that killed more than 120 people.

Damaged houses are pictured after an earthquake in Tonglai Village, Changsuo Township of Dingri

Damaged houses are pictured after an earthquake in Tonglai Village, Changsuo Township of Dingri

Deadly earthquake hits Tibet, tremors felt in Nepal, India

At least 120 people have been reported dead. Tremors were also felt in Nepal and India.

Dhanmaya Muktangtamang sits beside her 'thuncha' basket ouside her hut in the Beldangi II refugee camp

Dhanmaya Muktangtamang sits beside her 'thuncha' basket ouside her hut in the Beldangi II refugee camp

Bhutanese refugees in Nepal: 'We want to return home'

Thousands of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese fled their homeland in the 1990s. Decades later, many remain in limbo.

Nepal's prime minister, KP Sharma Oli, waves at Kathmandu airport on December 2

Nepal's prime minister, KP Sharma Oli, waves at Kathmandu airport on December 2

Nepal looks to kick start stalled China-funded projects

The stakes are high for Nepal's new leader to show progress on getting planned infrastructure projects off the ground.

The boot of Andrew Irvine

The boot of Andrew Irvine

Mount Everest: The 100-year mystery of Mallory and Irvine

Mountaineers recently discovered the foot of Andrew Irvine on Mount Everest. Did he make history before anyone else?

Nima Rinji Sherpa returning to Nepal from China

Nima Rinji Sherpa returning to Nepal from China

Nepali teen hailed after setting 8,000-meter peak record

Nima Rinji Sherpa has set a record as the youngest person to summit all of the world's 8,000-meter peaks.