Nepal began voting on Thursday in a parliamentary election that has drawn attention for its potential to reshape the country’s political alignment between India and China. The contest features key figures including former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli of the Communist Party (UML), former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Nepali Congress leader Gagan Thapa, and Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The Election Commission pledged to announce results within 24 hours of collecting ballots from 165 constituencies.

Observers doubt any party will secure a majority, citing Nepal’s long history of unstable governments since the monarchy’s fall in 1990. The 2025 Gen Z movement that forced Oli’s resignation continues to influence the political landscape, with Shah emerging as a prominent anti-establishment and India-critical figure. Analysts note that Oli’s UML remains China-leaning, while India has refrained from commenting directly on the election but continues to monitor developments closely.

Experts suggest that regardless of the outcome, Nepal’s next government will need to maintain cooperative ties with India to ensure economic stability and development.