KATHMANDU, March 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Nepal's interim prime minister urged 
voters Monday to take part in this week's first post-protest elections to 
maintain stability after deadly anti-corruption unrest toppled the 
government.

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.

"To move the country forward on the path of political stability and 
prosperity, all voters should participate in the upcoming elections," former 
chief justice Sushila Karki said in a television broadcast to the nation.

"I sincerely appeal to you to go to your polling station and vote on 
Thursday, even if you have to leave other work."

She also pleaded for calm.

"I request everyone to maintain peace and harmony during this election 
season," she added. "It is only with your active participation that our 
democracy will survive."

Protests were triggered by a brief social media ban, but were fuelled by 
anger at economic stagnation and an ageing elite seen as out of touch.

Karki said the situation was "complex, sensitive and challenging".

"Our first duty was to manage that difficult transition, lead the country 
from the violent phase to a peaceful exit and return it to the path of the 
constitution," she said.

Karki said the Election Commission had completed all preparations.

"The government of Nepal and the commission are fully committed to conducting 
the election in a fair, free and fearless manner," she said.

Nearly 19 million people have registered to vote, including 800,000 taking 
part for the first time.

They will elect members to the 275-seat House of Representatives, the lower 
house, with 165 chosen via a direct vote and 110 through proportional 
representation.

More than 3,400 candidates are competing in the direct vote, 30 percent aged 
under 40.