Nepal's Youth Revolution: How Gen Z Voters Are Reshaping Politics After Deadly Protests

The deadly protests that claimed 73 lives have left Nepal in a state of transformation.

Nepal:

Young Nepali citizens are eagerly queuing to register for the upcoming elections, the first since devastating anti-corruption demonstrations overthrew the government in what became the country's worst civil unrest in decades.

Many of these youth will be casting ballots for the first time, viewing this as a crucial opportunity to influence the future direction of their nation of 30 million people, which struggles with significant economic challenges.

The September 8-9 protests resulted in 73 fatalities and left parliament, courthouses, and government facilities in flames.

While initially sparked by a temporary social media prohibition, the unrest was fundamentally fueled by long-standing economic hardships and pervasive corruption concerns.

Following the government's collapse, 73-year-old former chief justice Sushila Karki was appointed as interim prime minister to guide the Himalayan country until elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.

"This new government stands on the foundation of students who lost their lives," said Niranjan Bhandari, a 21-year-old student, while waiting to provide his biometric information for voter registration.

"That's why we intend to remove the entrenched politicians who have maintained their grip on power for far too long," he continued.

"I'm registering for my voter identity card precisely for this reason."

'Growth to decline'

Nepal faces a critical juncture in its political evolution.

Enormous challenges lie ahead to ensure smooth elections, particularly given widespread public skepticism toward Nepal's established political parties.

Questions remain about whether protesters and youth will establish their own political party, or if veteran politicians will attempt to reclaim power.

The government has restricted travel for KP Sharma Oli, the 73-year-old Marxist who served as prime minister on four occasions before being forced from office, while a commission investigates the recent turmoil.

Despite this, Oli remains vocal, calling for the reinstatement of the "unconstitutionally dissolved" parliament during a recent address to his supporters.

The unrest has further destabilized Nepal's already vulnerable economy, where the World Bank reports an "staggering" 82 percent of workers are employed informally, with GDP per capita at just $1,447 in 2024.

This month, the World Bank revised its economic forecast for Nepal, cautioning that "recent unrest and heightened political and economic uncertainty are expected to cause growth to decline" to 2.1 percent.

However, at a district Election Commission office in Kathmandu, youthful enthusiasm is unmistakable.

"I'm really excited," 20-year-old student Sambriddhi Gautam told AFP. "This will be my first time participating in an election."

Gautam, who studies chartered accountancy in neighboring India, explained she had returned specifically to register so she could participate.

'Good of the nation'

Samiksha Adhikari, a 32-year-old business consultant, was waiting to apply for her voter identity card.

"We need fresh leadership capable of eliminating corruption and improving our country," she stated.

"That's why I'm here. I want to support candidates who genuinely work for the nation's welfare."

In Nepal's previous general elections in 2022, nearly 18 million citizens were registered to vote.

All Nepalis aged 18 and above qualify to vote, with registration closing in November.

Sirjana Rayamajhi, the 38-year-old spokesperson for Kathmandu's district election office, noted unprecedented enthusiasm.

Her office has been processing approximately 400 registrations daily—quadruple the rate observed during previous electoral cycles.

"The turnout is remarkably high," she observed.

"Generation Z are registering with tremendous enthusiasm. They desire new leadership to transform the country. These days, they comprise the entire queue."

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