Will Gen Z Protesters Continue Their Fight After Nepal's Elections?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kathmandu, March 5 (NationPress) As Nepal embarks on a *critical* mid-term electoral process today, following the *Gen Z protests of 2025* that led to the downfall of the previous K.P. Sharma Oli administration last September, all eyes are on the key figures behind this transformation – their current roles and future impact.
“Voting is underway; a new government will soon take office; however, our movement is far from finished. Our objective remains to demand *accountability*, promote *good governance*, and combat *corruption*. This mission continues,” declared 23-year-old *Amrita Ban*, a Gen Z activist.
She spoke while gazing at the charred exterior of the state road department’s grand building in Kathmandu, lamenting that such destruction has been wrongly attributed to them, asserting that it was actually the work of “fringe groups” from various political factions in Nepal.
These structures punctuate Kathmandu's landscape, from governmental institutions – including the Parliament and Prime Minister’s Office – to private properties, serving as reminders of the 2025 uprising that precipitated this electoral event.
The youth protests, initially sparked by a governmental ban on major social media platforms, expanded to address broader issues such as *corruption*, *nepotism*, *inequality*, and *freedom of expression*. What began as peaceful demonstrations in Kathmandu and other cities quickly escalated into significant confrontations.
On September 8, 2025, police deployed lethal force to disperse demonstrators, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 19 individuals, including a schoolboy. This brutal response ignited further outrage among protesters, ultimately leading to the resignation of the Oli administration.
“Regardless of which party ascends to power, Gen Z will act as vigilant watchdogs to ensure that the government prioritizes the nation and its people,” emphasized 25-year-old *Rajat Das Shreshtha*, a prominent musician and lead vocalist.
“The Gen Z demographic does not uniformly support a single party; some remain disengaged from this election. Others are still exploring alternatives, dissatisfied with the current political landscape,” he explained.
“With a new government taking office, we will extend our support, standing firmly with them in their pursuit of good governance; however, the quest for accountability from Gen Z will persist,” asserted the young musician.
The activists are demanding the release of an inquiry commission report investigating the deadly violence in September, appropriate compensation for victims' families, registration of all eligible voters, and the establishment of a political framework devoid of *corruption* and *nepotism*, among other requests.
“Many youth who participated in the 2025 protests are currently not aligned with any political party. Those who are involved in the election process will maintain a watchful eye on the new government’s actions,” echoed journalist *Bikas Acharya* from Kantipur Media Group.
Drawing parallels between the *2024 demonstrations in Bangladesh* and those in Nepal, Acharya pointed out a key distinction. “While there are notable similarities between the youth movements in Bangladesh and Nepal, the former saw some activists establish and register new political parties or run as independent candidates. Unfortunately, they struggled to gain traction, primarily due to a lack of a substantial political base,” he noted.
“In contrast, Nepali youth opted to support existing political parties of their choice rather than create their own. I believe this was a wise decision, as it allows them to maintain a mass base while remaining free from political obligations in their quest for accountability,” opined Acharya.
In fact, several Gen Z activists participating in the electoral process that IANS interviewed across various regions of Nepal expressed support for specific candidates rather than the parties they represent. For millennials like *Reecha Sharma*, a leading cine star in Nepal, the Gen Z movement served as a *wake-up call* for her and her contemporaries, who had largely remained detached from the nation’s electoral landscape.
During the 2025 protests, she actively engaged by sharing messages of support for the young demonstrators on her social media platforms. “People often perceived Gen Z as being solely absorbed in social media. However, they demonstrated their concern for the country. They are young and learning. I am optimistic that they will continue on this path,” concluded the model-actor.