Nepal’s youth flock to register for elections after deadly protests

In Nepal’s capital, young citizens are eagerly lining up to register for the country’s first elections since the deadly anti-corruption protests that led to the government’s collapse. For many, it will be their first time voting, and they see it as a chance to influence Nepal’s future amid its ongoing economic struggles. The September protests, triggered by a social media ban and fueled by frustration over corruption and hardship, left 73 people dead.

The interim government, led by former chief justice Sushila Karki, is preparing for elections in March 2026, but there’s uncertainty over whether new political movements will emerge. Meanwhile, economic challenges persist, with the World Bank forecasting slow growth in the wake of the unrest. Despite this, young people, like student Sambriddhi Gautam and business consultant Samiksha Adhikari, are excited to vote for leaders who promise to tackle corruption and improve the country.