Nepal's Gen Z Faces a Crucial Choice in Upcoming Election Amid Political Discontent

As Nepal prepares for a significant parliamentary election on March 5, the country's established political parties are not only vying for votes but also battling for legitimacy. This legitimacy was notably challenged in September of the previous year when a wave of protests led by young Nepalis demanded the resignation of the long-standing political elite. These protests were sparked by a social media ban and quickly evolved into a broader movement against economic stagnation and corruption, resulting in the resignation of 74-year-old Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the formation of an interim government.

The protests, which resulted in the deaths of at least 77 people, highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling parties, including Oli's Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), the Nepali Communist Party, and the centrist Nepali Congress party. Many young Nepalis view these parties as corrupt and unresponsive. In response, these parties have claimed to have learned from the uprising and have promised to address corruption, though skepticism remains among young activists.

For many young voters, like 27-year-old business student Rajesh Chand, the election is less about party allegiance and more about the direction in which the country is heading. Chand emphasizes the need to combat corruption as a starting point for progress. Similarly, Rakshya Bam, a central figure in the protests, stresses that the debate should not be limited to old versus new parties. She acknowledges that some parties have adopted the language of the Gen Z movement in their manifestos, but she remains vigilant about their actions.

The Nepali Congress (NC), the country's oldest political party, was particularly affected by the uprising. Minendra Rijal, a senior NC leader, admitted that the party's coalition with Oli's government damaged its reputation. However, he insists that the party has changed, with a new leadership under Gagan Kumar Thapa, who is running as the prime ministerial candidate. Despite these changes, Rijal acknowledges the persistent skepticism among voters, especially the younger demographic.

For Oli's CPN-UML, the upcoming election is crucial for both survival and renewal. Prithivi Subba Gurung, a former minister under Oli, frames the election as a fight to protect democracy, despite disagreements over how the election came about. The party has integrated younger leaders and claims to support Gen Z's demands for anti-corruption and good governance, though Oli remains a contentious figure.

Political scientist Sucheta Pyakurel attributes the protests to the political establishment's "recklessness" and argues that the mainstream parties have repeatedly ignored public concerns. While some parties appear introspective, others resist change. Nepal's mixed electoral system, which often results in coalition governments, has contributed to public disillusionment, with fears of returning to political instability prevalent among Gen Z.

As nearly 19 million Nepalis prepare to vote, with about 800,000 first-time voters, political parties have tailored their messages to appeal to the youth. Oli's party, for instance, has shifted from a social media ban to promises of digital access and entrepreneurial support. However, critics argue that these efforts are superficial and do not address the underlying issues.

Former protest leader Bam remains committed to activism outside of parliament, emphasizing the importance of maintaining pressure on political institutions. This ongoing tension between institutional reforms and external activism may shape Nepal's political landscape in the future.