Nepal, Feb. 18 -- Nepal is caught in the frenzy of the March 5 elections for the Federal Parliament. The composition of the new parliament and the government it chooses will determine the country's future for decades. In the absence of scientific public opinion polling, it is impossible to forecast the composition with any numerical accuracy. The problem is compounded by a deluge of partisan influencers and sensationalists on social media. However, some qualitative predictions can be made based on reports from reliable print media, on-the-ground anecdotal evidence, and the contesting parties' campaign strategies.

Composition of the new parliament

An overwhelming majority of the people consider the older political parties-the Nepali Cong...