Nepal's Gen Z Forms Political Party with Conditional Participation in 2026 Elections

Fresh elections to Nepal's House of Representatives are scheduled for March 5 of next year.

Nepal's Generation Z group has officially announced their intention to establish a political party. However, they have stated that their participation in the upcoming 2026 general election is contingent upon the fulfillment of specific "bottom-line" conditions.

The Himalayan nation's elections are set for March 5, 2026.

This youth-led movement recently spearheaded protests against corruption and government restrictions on social media platforms. These demonstrations ultimately resulted in the removal of the K P Sharma Oli administration from power.

During a press conference in Kathmandu, Miraj Dhungana, a prominent leader of the recent Gen Z movement, presented the group's agenda.

The collective emphasized that while they are working toward forming a political party to unify Gen-Z youths, they will abstain from electoral participation until their fundamental demands are addressed.

The movement has been primarily advocating for two critical reforms: the implementation of a directly elected executive system and extending voting rights to Nepali citizens living abroad.

Dhungana explained that his group has determined that establishing a political party is necessary to unite the young people associated with the Gen-Z movement.

While outlining their agenda, Dhungana highlighted their priorities: forming a citizen-led investigation committee for corruption control and adopting clear policies for economic transformation.

"We will continue to advocate for improved governance, transparency, and anti-corruption measures. The sacrifices made by Gen-Z youths will not be in vain," he declared, calling for collaboration from all sectors in nation-building efforts.

He mentioned that they are currently gathering suggestions for an appropriate name for their new political entity.

Addressing Nepal's economic challenges, Dhungana noted that development has stagnated due to the increasing exodus of Nepali youth seeking employment opportunities abroad. He asserted that previous governments should be held accountable for failing to address these pressing issues.

Regarding economic policy, he emphasized the importance of enhancing domestic production.

"With our strategic position between two heavily populated neighboring countries with a combined population of three billion, we must focus on increasing our production to target these neighboring markets," he stated.

He urged the interim government to immediately begin reopening closed industries and creating new employment opportunities. Additionally, he underscored the necessity of developing and promoting the tourism sector.

The election date for the House of Representatives was announced by President Ramchandra Paudel simultaneously with the formation of an interim government led by former chief justice Sushila Karki on September 12.