Nepal’s Shifting Political Landscape: Gen Z Protests, Democratic Reforms, and Pathways Forward

Описание: A Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan) online discussion

Country focus: Nepal

Event title: 'Nepal’s Shifting Political Landscape: Gen Z Protests, Democratic Reforms, and Pathways Forward’

Date: Sunday, 21 December 2025

Background:

In September 2025, Nepal witnessed a massive uprising, widely branded as the “Gen Z Protests.” The immediate trigger was a government ban on 26 major social media platforms. However, the protests reflected deep-seated frustrations among youth over persistent corruption, nepotism, lack of accountability, political elitism, economic stagnation, high youth unemployment, and systemic failures in governance issues that had accumulated over years of slow political reform.

These grievances were not only immediate but also rooted in political history, where Nepal’s progress toward administrative and fiscal decentralization under Nepal’s federal system has been significant; however, the gap between structural reforms and political inclusion remains.

The protests were largely non-partisan, youth-driven, and spontaneous, driven by social media and other digital platforms, demanding accountability, transparency, efficiency, and greater participation in governance.

The government’s response on 8-9 September 2025 turned deadly, leading to nationwide unrest and the eventual resignation of the sitting government. Following dialogues between youth leaders and the Nepal Army, an interim government was formed with a primary mandate to conduct elections in March 2026.

Nepal today stands at a critical crossroads, where youth activism, both political and non-political, is redefining the democratic and political landscape. The political youth are also increasingly demanding reforms, including merit-based leadership, greater participation, and accountability within their party.

Despite this momentum, significant challenges remain to translate the energy of the protests into lasting reforms. Resistance from the mainstream political party, friction between the political and non-political youth, and political decentralization lagging behind administrative progress may slow meaningful change, leaving gaps in representation and decision-making.

Nonetheless, the Gen Z movement signals a shift in Nepal’s democratic landscape, offering opportunities for inclusive governance, systemic reform, and meaningful youth participation. As the country approaches elections under a transitional government, these dynamics highlight the potential for lasting change in political, culture and democratic practice, with lessons extending across South Asia.

The discussion will encompass:

What Nepal’s ‘Gen Z’ are demanding,
How their activism fits within Nepal’s longer political narrative
What possibilities exist for translating protests into sustainable, inclusive, and accountable governance.
The discussion will be moderated by feminist activist Khushi Kabir in Dhaka, and hosted by Sarita Bartaula from Nepal, an advocate for youth, peace, and human rights.

Speakers:
⁠Bhakta Bishwakarma, Human rights lawyer, Dalit rights activist, Chair of Nepal Voters’ Rights Forum
Bhojraj Pokharel, former Chief Elections Commissioner, Election Commission of Nepal
Dr. Pramod Jaiswal, Research Director at NIICE, scholar of Southasia and China, and former strategic affairs editor
⁠- Rima Bishwokarma, actor and media personality
Tanuja Pandey, lawyer and climate justice activist

The discussion will be of interest to: Those involved in youth networks and civil society organizations working on human rights, peacebuilding, and regional cooperation, besides policy experts, academics and students specializing in Southasian politics, international relations, and sustainable development, besides activists and community leaders advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, including women, children, ethnic minorities, and religious groups.

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