KATHMANDU: Over 27,000 young Nepalis have applied for temporary police jobs for upcoming elections, authorities said. This is a surge as Nepal prepares for its first polls since a youth-led uprising earlier exposed the country's economic struggles. Police spokesman Abinarayan Kafle said the applications came in just the first two days, Friday and Saturday. Nepal plans to fill 149,090 temporary police posts, with pay of about $280 for 40 days. The protests in Nepal started over a brief government ban on social media but grew louder with anger against corruption and economic hardship. Around 77 people died in the violence. The unrest led to the fall of the government, and the economy suffered an estimated $586 million loss and nearly 15,000 job losses. Sarika Karki, 20, told AFP, "I am also Gen-Z, but I do not have a job. I hope the election will go well, and I am able to help in my own way as a temporary police officer." Many young applicants, like 30-year-old Nischal Poudel who previously worked as a hotel cook, view these police jobs as a chance to earn money and be part of their first election. Most of the 30 million Nepalese rely on informal work, while over 839,000 left the country to work abroad last year. Temporary police officers will manage tasks like handling ballot boxes and crowd control during elections. The high turnout at police stations across all 77 districts showed the excitement and hope of young Nepalis to earn and serve their country in these challenging times.