VAT on Ride-Sharing, Electricity: A Political Litmus Test Ahead of March 5 Polls

The government's recent announcement and procedural finalization to impose 5% VAT on household electricity and ride-sharing services from Saun has ignited political debate just days before the national election. This move, targeting services popular among urban youth and the general populace, presents a critical challenge for the incumbent parties. Balen Shah's RSP, championing a 'Gen-Z Uprising,' is poised to leverage this new tax burden to galvanize young voters against the traditional political establishment. The decision's timing could significantly impact voter sentiment, potentially shifting support and complicating post-election coalition formations for the CPN-UML and NC. This policy decision highlights the economic pressures on citizens and could become a decisive factor in the upcoming power shifts.

• New VAT on electricity & ride-sharing looms as a critical electoral flashpoint, fueling Gen-Z discontent days before polls.