Kathmandu, Jan. 23 -- Campaigning for the March 5 parliamentary polls has begun following the filing of nominations on Tuesday, but Nepal's major political parties have yet to find clear electoral planks.

For the 165 first-past-the-post seats, 3,484 candidates, representing around 68 political parties as well as independents, have registered their candidacies.

Yet, unlike in past elections, no major political force has articulated a distinct political agenda that defines what it stands for.

Political observers note that parties in the past rallied voters around specific, overarching issues. This election, coming after the September Gen Z uprising that demanded good governance, accountability and employment guarantees, should address th...