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By Our Reporter

Nepal has now clearly entered the election mainstream. With the general election approaching, political activity has picked up pace across the country. Candidate registration, claims and objections, scrutiny, disqualifications, and withdrawals are over. Parties, candidates, the Election Commission, and voters are all active. Campaigns have begun in earnest, including by independent candidates who can now campaign openly after receiving their election symbols. Objections were limited, with complaints filed against only five candidates nationwide. The Election Commission upheld four nominations and rejected one, that of Nagarik Unmukti Party chair Resham Chaudhary from Kailali 1, a decision now under review at the Supreme Court. Overall, the process has moved forward with fewer disruptions than many expected.

Several political moments stand out. In Bhaktapur, objections against Shobha Pathak and journalist Rajiv Khatri were dismissed, allowing both to remain in the race against UML leader Mahesh Basnet. In Manang, the withdrawal of UML and Rastriya Prajatantra Party candidates in a way that appears to benefit Nepali Congress has raised questions about party decisions and local understandings. Former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai’s withdrawal from Gorkha has also drawn attention, signaling a shift toward a mentoring role rather than direct contest. Many senior leaders are absent from the race, while UML chair KP Sharma Oli and NCP coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda remain central figures. Parties have also named prime ministerial candidates, with Nepali Congress backing Gagan Thapa and the Rastriya Swatantra Party fielding Balen Shah against Oli in Jhapa 5, a move that carries both promise and risk.

Beyond individual contests, this election marks a deeper shift in how politics is unfolding. The low number of objections and disqualifications suggests that parties have learned, at least partly, from past electoral chaos. Processes appear more orderly, and the Election Commission has managed the early phase with relative calm. This matters because credibility at the start often shapes public trust in the final outcome. When procedures look fair and predictable, voters are more likely to accept results, even when their preferred candidates lose.

The election is also reshaping party behavior. Strategic withdrawals, selective alliances, and calculated risks show that parties are reading ground realities more carefully. At the same time, internal discipline remains a concern, especially where local deals appear to override central decisions. How parties handle these tensions will influence their strength after the election, not just the seat count.

The growing presence of new faces and the absence of several established leaders point to a slow generational shift. Voters now have more choices that cut across old party lines, including candidates driven by activism, journalism, or local leadership. This broadens political debate and forces traditional parties to respond to issues beyond slogans and legacy.

The wider impact of this election will extend beyond parliament. A stable and credible mandate could help restore confidence in governance, which has been strained by frequent changes in power. Policy continuity, especially on the economy, public service delivery, and federal relations, depends on how clear and accepted the result is. On the other hand, a fractured verdict could prolong uncertainty and bargaining.

In many ways, this election is a test of political maturity. It will show whether parties respect rules, accept outcomes, and prioritize voters over tactics. As campaigning intensifies, the real judgment will rest with the electorate. Their choices will not only decide who governs, but also signal what kind of politics Nepal wants in the years ahead.