Nepal PM urges youth to vote

KATHMANDU:

Nepal's Prime Minister Sushila Karki called Friday on the nation's youth to help shape the country's future, ahead of a deadline to register to vote in the first election since deadly protests that toppled the previous government.

The 73-year-old former chief justice, who assumed office following the September 8-9 uprising, called on citizens, especially the youth, to exercise their voting right in large numbers.

"To make the Nepal GenZ youth and all Nepalis' dream of a reality we must, first of all, make our voter identity card," Karki said in a video statement.

"And then, by using it correctly, we must choose the right representative. Or, become the right representative."

The unrest erupted after a short-lived social media ban but quickly spread nationwide, fuelled by deep anger over corruption and economic hardship.

At least 73 people were killed as protesters torched government buildings, courts, and parliament.