KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Polls opened Thursday in Nepal's first nationwide election since last year’s violent, youth-led uprising forced the government from power. Security forces patrolled streets and guarded polling stations across the Himalayan nation of about 30 million people as voters lined up to cast their ballots. Counting of votes will begin later Thursday, with results expected over the weekend.

Officials reported that both election campaigning and voting have gone smoothly, with no disturbances. “There is huge excitement about this election among the people, and we anticipate the voter turnout to be at least 65 percent,” stated Nepal’s acting chief election commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari.

Authorities instituted a vehicle ban on election day and prohibited political rallies and public gatherings to maintain order. Voters arrived at polling stations as early as 7 a.m., eager to cast their votes. “I am here to vote hoping to bring new changes in Nepal, that was what all of us are seeking, and that was what the Gen Z revolt was about," commented Hari Sharan Giri, a 70-year-old painter.

The stakes are high for nearly 19 million eligible voters. They will directly elect 165 members to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Parliament. The remaining 110 seats will be filled through a proportional representation system, where parties nominate lawmakers based on their share of the vote.

This election is regarded as a three-way contest, reflecting widespread voters' frustration with corruption and demands for increased accountability. The National Independent Party, established in 2022 and led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, is emerging as a formidable contender against the longstanding Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist).

Shah, 35, gained prominence through his role in the 2025 uprising against former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli and is expected to engage younger voters with his focus on health and education for impoverished Nepalis. The next administration will face significant challenges, including addressing the demands of last year’s protests, combating corruption, and managing relations with powerful neighbors India and China.