Nepal's political rivals rally on final day of election campaign

The Himalayan republic will elect a new parliament on Thursday, replacing the interim govt that has led the country since the September 2025 uprising in which at least 77 people were killed

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KP Sharma Oli

(Agence France-Presse)

Nepal's election campaign entered its final day on Monday, six months after deadly anti-corruption protests toppled the government, with rival leaders making a last push in a tightly contested race.

The Himalayan republic will elect a new parliament on Thursday, replacing the interim government that has led the country of 30 million people since the September 2025 uprising in which at least 77 people were killed.

Sushila Karki, who is serving as prime minister until the vote, called for "peace and harmony" in a broadcast to the nation on Monday.

Karki, a former chief justice, also urged all to vote to "move the country forward on the path of political stability and prosperity."

"It is only with your active participation that our democracy will survive," she added.

Two weeks of campaigning have showcased a wave of younger candidates promising to tackle Nepal's woeful economy, challenging veteran politicians who have dominated for two decades and argue that their experience guarantees stability and security.

Among the key figures is KP Sharma Oli, the 74-year-old Marxist leader ousted as prime minister last year.