Nepal Sets March 5 Elections as Curfew Ends Under Interim Govt

Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel on Saturday declared that fresh elections to the House of Representatives will be held within six months, setting March 5 as polling day.

The announcement follows weeks of violent Gen Z–led anti-corruption protests that left 51 people dead, over 1,300 injured, and thousands of prisoners on the run.

Paudel urged all parties to “make good use of the opportunity” to strengthen democracy and ensure peaceful elections.

Earlier in the day, citizens held a candlelight vigil at Bouddhanath Stupa to honour those killed during the unrest. Students, monks, activists and locals lit candles in silence to express solidarity.

Meanwhile, interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki visited injured demonstrators in hospital, as the Health Ministry confirmed that 30 protesters died of gunshot wounds and 21 from burns and other injuries. Among the dead were one Indian national and three police officers.

With the nationwide curfew lifted, Nepal is gradually returning to normalcy. Public transport and long-distance buses have resumed operations from Kathmandu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki—Nepal’s first woman PM—on taking charge, saying he hoped she would guide the country toward peace and stability.