Kathmandu, Jan 23: Months after the youth-led Gen Z protests in Nepal, four former prime ministers have filed nominations for the March 5 general elections.Ex-PM K P Sharma Oli of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) is contesting from Jhapa-5, while Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ of the Maoist Centre is running from Rukum East. Madhav Kumar Nepal (Nepali Communist Party) and Baburam Bhattarai (Pragatisheel Lokatantrik Party) are contesting from Rautahat-1 and Gorkha-2, respectively.
Two former PMs, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Jhala Nath Khanal, are not contesting. Deuba was persuaded to step aside due to youth dissent within his party, while Khanal voluntarily opted out.
Observers note that the Gen Z protests in September 2024 stemmed from frustration over the repeated rotation of the prime ministership among the same leaders, despite calls for new leadership. All four candidates are over 70 years old. Three former mayors have also joined the race, including Kathmandu ex-mayor Balendra Shah, Dharan’s Harka Sampang, and Prachanda’s daughter Renu Dahal.
A total of 3,088 men and 395 women filed nominations for 165 First Past the Post seats, with 110 more to be filled proportionally.