Timeline
March 1, 2026 — March 6, 2026
World
Timeline: How Nepal's Gen Z Uprising Led to Historic Elections in 2026
In September 2025, youth-led protests against corruption and a social media ban erupted in Nepal, leaving 77 dead and forcing Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign. The uprising triggered the dissolution of parliament and installation of an interim government, culminating in pivotal general elections on March 5, 2026. This timeline tracks the journey from violent uprising to a vote that could reshape Nepal's political landscape.
11 events · 5 days · 30 source articles
Mon, Sep 8, 2025
Major
Gen Z Uprising Turns Deadly as Police Open Fire
Protests erupted across Nepal, triggered by a social media ban and fueled by anger over corruption and unemployment. Police opened fire on demonstrators outside parliament in Kathmandu, killing 19 protesters on this day alone. The violence marked the bloodiest day of protest in Nepal's recent history, with Liza Adhikari and Sangharsh Bhusal among those shot and injured.
Tue, Sep 9, 2025
Major
Unrest Continues; Total Death Toll Reaches 77
A second day of violence brought the total death toll to 77 people, including three police officers and many protesters. The parliament building was set on fire, and the Prime Minister's residence was looted and burned. Military helicopters evacuated ministers from besieged homes as the capital descended into chaos.
Tue, Sep 9, 2025
Major
Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli Resigns Under Pressure
After two days of deadly protests and with demonstrators besieging government buildings, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned and fled chaotic scenes in Kathmandu alongside his family. The resignation of the four-time PM marked a dramatic victory for the youth-led movement demanding accountability and an end to corruption.
Wed, Sep 10, 2025
Major
Sushila Karki Appointed as Interim Prime Minister
President Ram Chandra Paudel dissolved parliament and appointed former chief justice Sushila Karki, 73, as interim prime minister—Nepal's first female PM. The anti-corruption figure was tasked with conducting fresh elections within six months. Some observers questioned whether the appointment breached constitutional boundaries.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Moderate
Election Campaign Intensifies as March 5 Vote Approaches
With the general election scheduled for March 5, Nepal's political parties intensified campaigning. The election represented the first nationwide vote after the Gen Z uprising, with geopolitical tensions and regional power rivalries adding complexity. Nearly 19 million voters, including about 1 million first-time voters added after the protests, were registered to participate.
Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Moderate
Rappers Rally Behind Balen Shah's Campaign
Rappers flocked to Jhapa district to support Balendra 'Balen' Shah, the 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician and former Kathmandu mayor. Shah, a member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), was being projected as a potential future prime minister. His campaign embodied the Gen Z movement's energy, with rap serving as a vehicle for social change.
Tue, Mar 3, 2026
Moderate
Gen Z Protesters Express Mixed Feelings About Political Impact
Key Gen Z protest leaders voiced divergent views on the upcoming election. Tanka Dhami expressed optimism that the movement had changed political parties' priorities, while fellow activist Tanuja Pande felt that political parties had used and then ignored their movement. Young protesters like Sangharsh Bhusal, still bearing scars from police bullets, returned to parliament hoping for genuine change.
Wed, Mar 4, 2026
Moderate
Final Campaign Day Highlights Political Showdown
The election campaign concluded with a historic showdown between old guard politicians and new Gen Z-backed forces. Former PM K.P. Sharma Oli sought a political comeback, facing off against Balen Shah and Gagan Thapa among others. The contest in Damak particularly captured attention as a test of whether Nepal was ready for new, untested leadership to replace decades of political instability.
Thu, Mar 5, 2026
Major
Voting Begins Across All 77 Districts
Polls opened at 7 a.m. across Nepal's 77 districts to elect a 275-member House of Representatives (165 under first-past-the-post, 110 under proportional representation). High-profile candidates including Balen Shah, Gagan Thapa, and K.P. Sharma Oli cast their votes as millions of Nepalis participated in the pivotal election.
Thu, Mar 5, 2026
Moderate
Polls Close with 60% Voter Turnout
Voting concluded peacefully at 5 p.m., with Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari reporting a preliminary turnout of around 60%. The Election Commission noted the process was largely peaceful except for some sporadic incidents. Counting began at most booths immediately after polls closed.
Fri, Mar 6, 2026
Major
Early Trends Show Balen Shah's Party Leading
As vote counting got underway, early trends indicated a strong performance by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) led by Balendra Shah, with reports showing the party leading in more than 20 seats. The strong showing suggested that Gen Z-backed forces were making significant inroads against traditional parties. Complete results were expected to take up to a week.
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