KATHMANDU – As Nepal votes in national elections on Thursday, many political watchers across Asia are focused on Pushpa Kamal Dahal, better known as Prachanda. He led the decade-long Maoist movement against the monarchy in the Hindu-majority Himalayan nation. That uprising helped remove King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev from power in 2006.
Within the next two years, the poor country of more than 30 million people will end its 240-year-old monarchy. Nepal then became a multi-party federal democratic republic, and Prachanda took office as prime minister in 2008.
Now in his 70s, Prachanda leads a coalition of left groups under the Nepali Communist Party banner. At the same time, he is working with other well-known Marxist figures, including Madhav Kumar Nepal. His goal is clear: rebuild his public support and political weight.
Still, many Nepalis feel let down by what followed the revolution. The Maoists made big promises, yet daily life often showed a different story. Many voters saw rising corruption in public offices tied to the new political order. On top of that, Kathmandu has faced constant political churn. In about two decades, Nepal recorded 14 early government reshuffles. As a result, many ordinary citizens feel worn down and frustrated.
A Crowded Field and Rising Calls for a Ceremonial King
This election also features several high-profile names tied to the race for Nepal’s top job. Former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, who leads the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist), remains a major player. Young politician Balendra Shah, linked here with the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, is also part of the conversation, along with Gagan Thapa of the Nepali Congress.
While parties compete for power, a smaller but vocal group of hardline Hindu nationalists is pushing another idea: bring back the monarchy as a ceremonial head of state, replacing the president.
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (National Democratic Party) has taken this message into mainstream politics. The right-leaning RPP wants a return to a constitutional monarchy and also calls for restoring Nepal’s identity as a Sanatani Hindu Rashtra.
The party has fielded candidates across the country and has long organized events supporting the former king. Gyanendra now lives a private life in Kathmandu, yet he still draws attention. When he visits rural areas, pro-monarchy supporters often come out in large numbers. They wave national flags, hold signs, and chant slogans backing the 70-something royal figure.
Election Rules, Child Protections, and a Fast Counting Plan
With election preparations in their final phase, interim prime minister Sushila Karki, the election authority, and the human rights commission have all urged a clean process. Their message has been consistent: keep the election free, fair, and peaceful so voters can cast ballots without pressure.
Officials are also reminding parties and candidates to follow the election code of conduct. The goal is to help people choose representatives based on facts, not misleading claims. At the same time, authorities have issued a firm warning on one point: minors cannot take part in campaign work or election promotions. They say it breaks both election rules and child protection laws.
On vote counting, the election authority says it will announce the results quickly. Polling runs from 7 am to 5 pm on March 5. After polls close, officials will move ballot boxes to Kathmandu right away. Results for the direct voting system, covering 165 seats, are expected within 24 hours. The remaining 110 seats, chosen through proportional representation, should be announced within two to three days.
Gyanendra Shah’s Statement Adds Heat to the Debate
As Nepal moved closer to voting day, former king Gyanendra Shah made a headline-grabbing statement. He said he is unhappy with the country’s political direction and with how current leaders behave.
Speaking on the 74th National Democracy Day, the ousted monarch questioned whether holding elections makes sense right now. He argued that Nepal should first address urgent national problems through a broad consensus. His message came ahead of Nepal Prajatantra Diwas, observed on February 19, which marks the end of the 104-year Rana autocracy in 1951.
Shah also warned that pushing ahead with elections while protests and public disagreement continue may not solve Nepal’s ongoing crisis. In his view, the vote could fail to bring lasting stability without shared agreement on key issues.
He framed his comments around democratic principles. In a democracy, he said, the state should run according to the constitution. He accepted that regular elections are a normal democratic practice. Still, he argued that many people now feel the country should solve major national challenges first, and only then move into the electoral process.
Shah also said a culture is growing where people demand rights without thinking about duties. To him, Nepal needs a system that matches the country’s geography and the character of its society. Only that kind of structure, he claimed, can produce steady and positive outcomes.
In closing, Shah paid tribute to Tribhuvan Nripati and the martyrs who fought for democracy. He then called for a political system that protects Nepal’s identity and helps it stand confidently on the global stage.
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