Political situation in Nepal

Nepal chooses path after violent protests

Today, Nepal goes to the polls to elect a new government, after the old one was forced out by violent Gen Z protests last fall. The choice is seen as between giving the previous government a second chance, or listening to the youthful protest movement and setting out on a new path, writes AFP.

Acting Prime Minister Sushila Karki has called for calm on election day, saying the election will be crucial in determining the country's future.

Thousands of soldiers and police have been ordered onto the streets to maintain order.

The fight for the prime minister's post is seen as between 74-year-old Marxist KP Sharma Oli, who was forced out in the autumn protests, 35-year-old former rapper Balendra Shah and 49-year-old Gagan Thapa, the newly elected leader of the country's oldest party, the Congress Party.

Nepal's Gen Z protests — the issue

• The protests in Nepal began after the government banned 26 social media sites on September 4, according to international media.
• The demonstrations, led by young people, quickly escalated into mass protests against corruption and political discontent.
• At least 51 people were killed and hundreds injured when police and military forces were deployed against protesters in Kathmandu.
• At least 51 people were killed and hundreds injured when police and military forces were deployed against protesters in Kathmandu.
• Sushila Karki was appointed as the new interim prime minister after the crisis, pending new elections