New Delhi, March 3 -- On March 5, 2026, nearly 19 million Nepalis will head to the polls to elect a new House of Representatives. This general election marks a critical juncture for the Himalayan republic, emerging from the turbulent aftermath of the September 2025 youth-led anti-corruption protests. The demonstrations, initially triggered by a social media ban, rapidly escalated into a nationwide movement against economic stagnation and systemic graft, eventually toppling the government.

Under the stewardship of an interim administration led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Nepal is navigating a highly fragile transition. The upcoming ballot represents a fundamental test of its democratic resilience and a defining moment for South...