As the federal capital braces for the upcoming House of Representatives elections, all eyes are on Kathmandu Constituency 1.
Traditionally considered the heart of Nepal’s political landscape, the race for this "high-profile" seat has become increasingly complex, with recent data suggesting that the outcome rests squarely in the hands of women.
While the field is crowded with male candidates, the electorate tells a different story. According to the latest data from the Election Commission, female voters outnumber their male counterparts in this constituency.
In a race where a shift of just 5% of the vote could flip the final result, this surplus of over 2,000 female voters is expected to be the deciding factor in who secures a seat in Singha Durbar.
The constituency is currently witnessing a fierce three-prong competition among veteran male politicians. The primary contenders include Mahesh Raj Regmi (CPN-UML), Prabal Thapa Chhetri (Nepali Congress), Rabindra Mishra (Rastriya Prajatantra Party).
Despite the dominance of male candidates in the headlines, several prominent women have entered the fray to challenge the status quo.
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has fielded Ranju Darshana, a move seen as a direct appeal to the youth and female demographic.
Additionally, Renuka Bhandari (Nepal Communist Party) and Ramila Suwal (NWPP) are also in the electoral race, further diversifying the ballot.
The central intrigue of this election remains: can the male frontrunners bridge the gender gap and win over the female electorate, or will the "women’s power" consolidate behind a female candidate?
With the areas of Thapathali, New Baneshwar, and Babarmahal serving as the primary battlegrounds, the final verdict will remain under wraps until the polls close. The true direction of Kathmandu-1 will be revealed following the elections on March 5.
.
