Nepal's GenZ Movement Continues: One Month After Protests Toppled Government, Youth Vow to Maintain Pressure Until Elections

Nepal:

Citizens gathered in Kathmandu on Thursday to hold a candlelight vigil outside the fire-damaged parliament building, commemorating one month since the anti-corruption protests that brought down the government, while affirming their commitment to maintain pressure as elections approach.

The solemn vigil, attended by several dozen people—many of whom had participated in the demonstrations—paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the protests.

The youth-led movement that began on September 8, initially triggered by a brief social media ban, economic difficulties, and corruption concerns, rapidly evolved into nationwide outrage following a deadly government crackdown.

The resulting two days of unrest claimed at least 73 lives, with parliament and government buildings set ablaze, ultimately forcing the collapse of KP Sharma Oli's administration.

"I hope for a better future," said 25-year-old Anjila Basnet to AFP. "The sacrifice of so many people should not go to waste."

Following the government's downfall, former chief justice Sushila Karki, 73, was appointed interim prime minister with the responsibility of guiding the Himalayan nation until elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.

"We are now in the second phase of the movement, until the election," stated protester Yujan Rajbhandari.

"We will not stop... The issues we raised about corruption and good governance are the priority."

Many protesters injured during the unrest continue to receive medical treatment.

Protester Nimesh Shrestha has been visiting the wounded and organizing fundraising efforts for their medical care.

"When I think of the people we lost, those still in bed... I just hope we never have to do this again," he expressed.

The ousted 73-year-old Marxist leader Oli, who had previously served as prime minister four times, also addressed his supporters on Thursday.

"To put the country in the right direction, there is no alternative but to move forward with a demand to reinstate the parliament that was unconstitutionally dissolved," Oli told his supporters.

The current government has imposed travel restrictions on Oli and four former senior officials while a commission investigates the recent unrest.

Interim Prime Minister Karki has committed to restoring order, addressing demands for transparent governance, and preparing for upcoming elections.

"The time has come for us to work day and night to address their expectations -- we are facing opportunities and challenges," she stated on Wednesday while addressing Nepal's diplomatic missions abroad.

"This government has the responsibility to firmly establish the country on the path of democracy and equitable prosperity."