interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has appealed to people to vote and maintain peace. 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. Two weeks of campaigning have showcased a wave of younger candidates promising to tackle Nepal’s struggling economy, challenging veteran politicians who have dominated for two decades, and promising stability and security. “To move the country forward on the path of political stability and prosperity, all voters should participate in the upcoming elections”, Karki, a former chief justice, said in a television broadcast to the nation on Monday.

“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 said. “It is only with your active participation that our democracy will survive”. Referring to the election being held six months after the Gen Z-led protests, 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, adding that 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 likely to take part for the first time. (Aljazeera)