Nepal’s Youth Force Political Shift After Protests, Ahead of Crucial Election

Kathmandu, Nepal – Nepal is heading to the polls on March 5th, following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid widespread protests led by the country’s Gen Z population. The upcoming election will see approximately 19 million Nepalis, including 837,000 first-time voters, choosing from a field of 120 registered political parties. The driving forces behind this election are no longer traditional ideologies, but rather demands for an end to corruption and a more inclusive government, issues that have resonated deeply with a frustrated youth demographic.

The catalyst for the recent upheaval was the government’s decision to ban 26 popular social media platforms, a move seen as an attempt to stifle dissent during a period of growing public discontent. This action coincided with a trend of citizens exposing the wealth of politicians’ families – a stark contrast to the economic hardships faced by many. With youth unemployment around 23 percent and rising inflation, young Nepalis felt increasingly disconnected from a political system they perceived as unresponsive.

“We mobilized because we had nothing to lose,” explained Anusha Khanal, a youth activist with the Gen Z Movement Alliance, a coalition of youth-led civil society organizations. “Young people demanded accountability for decades of corruption, poor governance, and a political system completely disconnected from our realities.”

The initial response from the government was heavy-handed. Protests were met with force, and several young people were killed by police. Instead of addressing the concerns of the protesters, the government attempted to discredit the movement, framing it as violent and criminalizing dissent. However, this repression only served to fuel the protests, drawing in thousands more young people.

“The government showed it did not care about young people,” Khanal stated. “But repression didn’t stop the movement; it accelerated it.”

Civil society organizations played a crucial role in supporting the youth-led movement, providing documentation, amplifying demands, and advocating for investigations into the killings of protesters. A ten-point agreement was reached with the interim government, committing to address corruption, improve governance, and ensure youth participation in decision-making. The agreement also included provisions for the establishment of a Gen Z Council, intended to hold the government accountable and bridge the gap between the state and its young citizens.

While anti-corruption and good governance have become central themes in the campaigns of various parties, concerns remain about the sincerity of these commitments. Parties are promising digital governance, transparency, and audits of public officials, but often lack concrete plans for implementation.

One significant obstacle to progress remains the underrepresentation of women and marginalized groups among candidates. High campaign costs, coupled with a lack of public financing and pervasive digital violence against female and queer candidates, create significant barriers to entry. Despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing women 33 percent representation, the reality on the ground falls far short of this goal.

Looking ahead, the formation of a likely coalition government presents a challenge to meaningful reform. Compromise and the need to maintain coalition unity could dilute the promises made to address corruption and improve governance. Furthermore, a potentially resistant bureaucracy could hinder the implementation of reforms even if they are passed into law.

Despite these challenges, activists remain determined to maintain pressure on the government and ensure accountability. “Civil society’s role now is to maintain constant pressure, document what does and doesn’t get implemented and call attention when governments fail to keep their promises,” Khanal said. “Real change is slow and difficult — but it’s possible if civil society stays organized and vigilant.”

Follow the Gen Z Movement Alliance on Instagram and connect with Anusha Khanal on LinkedIn.

Inter Press Service originally published this article.