Former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli is seeking a return to power as Nepal prepares for parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, following months of political unrest that forced him from office in 2025.
The 73-year-old leader, who has served four terms as prime minister, is campaigning to regain influence through his party, the Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist, after anti-corruption protests last year left dozens dead and triggered his resignation.
Oli faces a strong challenge from Balendra Shah, a younger political figure and former rapper whose campaign has tapped into youth-driven calls for change and governance reforms.
Campaign activities are set to begin Monday.
The protests that led to Oli’s exit were sparked by a controversial social media ban and fueled by public frustration over economic stagnation and entrenched corruption.
Demonstrations escalated into violence, with attacks on government institutions and Oli’s residence before he stepped down in September 2025.
In his resignation letter, the former prime minister said he hoped his departure would pave the way for dialogue and national stability.
He has since denied authorising security forces to open fire on demonstrators, attributing the violence to unidentified “infiltrators.”
Despite the controversy, Oli retained his influence within his party, winning re-election as its chairman in December.
His political career spans nearly six decades, including imprisonment during the monarchy era and leadership roles through Nepal’s transition to a republic.
