KATHMANDU: The House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 has emerged as a striking symbol of Nepal’s ongoing debate over generational transition in politics, with candidates ranging from 25-year-old Gen-Z leaders to politicians well over 70 years of age contesting the polls.
Just months ago, the Gen-Z movement of September 8 and 9 had reignited demands for an end to the dominance of old parties and long-entrenched leaders, calling for a transfer of political leadership to a younger generation. The movement, however, was overshadowed by tragedy after several teenagers lost their lives, raising expectations that the electoral process would reflect a decisive generational shift.
Yet, the final list of candidates published by the Election Commission suggests otherwise. Veteran leaders—many of whom have shaped national politics for decades—continue to dominate the electoral landscape.
Elderly candidates dominate key constituencies
According to the EC’s final list, Koshi Province alone has a notable number of candidates aged over 70. The oldest candidate in the province is 83-year-old Hiranya Prasad Bhattarai, contesting from Jhapa-1 on behalf of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party. Similarly, 80-year-old Sher Bahadur Khatri of Rastriya Janamorcha is in the race from Okhaldhunga-1.
Several candidates in this age group are former prime ministers or senior leaders who remain politically active despite advancing age. Others say they are contesting to uphold long-held political ideals.
Among the most prominent figures is Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala, aged 75, contesting from Morang-6. CPN-UML Chair and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, 74, is seeking re-election from Jhapa-5. Nepali Congress leader Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, 72, is once again in the race from Sunsari-3.
Senior candidates are also present across party lines. Man Bahadur Pulami Magar (75) of Nepal Janmukti Party is contesting from Jhapa-2, while Bal Krishna Thapa (73) of the Nepali Congress is in the fray from Bhojpur-1. Rastriya Prajatantra Party candidate Prem Prasad Bhattarai (72) is contesting from Sunsari-4, and Janamat Party’s Harsalal Rajbanshi (71) is a candidate from Jhapa-3.
From Sankhuwasabha, Keshar Singh Rai; Morang-1 candidate Purna Bahadur Waiwa Tamang; Morang-2 candidate Chandrabir Rai; and Morang-5 candidate Ganga Prasad Giri of the CPN (Maoist Centre) are all above 70 years of age.
Oldest candidate is 88
Nationwide, the oldest candidate is 88-year-old Mahendra Rai Yadav, contesting from Sarlahi-2. Yadav, who was elected from the same constituency in the 2079 BS election, claims that his officially recorded age is inaccurate. Due to this age controversy, he had earlier declined to preside over the first sitting of the House despite being proposed for the role.
Another senior contender is 87-year-old Madan Dev Acharya, contesting from Kathmandu-4. A former bureaucrat and author of the book Khichadi, Acharya says he entered the race believing he can still contribute meaningfully to the nation.
Independent candidates also reflect the trend. Panchakumari Manandhar, aged 82, is contesting from Kathmandu-9, while 81-year-old Prem Bahadur Rana Magar is in the race from Mahottari-1. Jay Narayan Kafle (81) is contesting from Rupandehi-5, and Sher Bahadur Khatri (80) from Okhaldhunga-1.
Leadership transition still uncertain
In total, 495 candidates are competing for House of Representatives seats across various constituencies. While the Gen-Z movement amplified calls for leadership renewal, the dominance of veteran politicians in the electoral race has deepened the question of whether Nepal’s political leadership is truly heading toward a generational shift—or whether power will continue to remain in the hands of the old guard.
As voters head to the polls, the election has become a test not only of political ideologies, but also of whether the aspirations for generational change will translate into electoral outcomes.
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