Nepal – From the streets to the ballot

On October 29, 2025, Nepal’s Supreme Court Constitutional Bench declined to issue an interim order against the formation of the government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki and the dissolution of the House of Representatives, paving the way for elections scheduled on March 5, 2026. This followed the September 12, 2025, dissolution of Parliament and the appointment of an interim administration amid widespread unrest, including student-led Gen Z protests that highlighted mass political disillusionment and calls for systemic overhaul. As preparations unfold, including electoral reforms and the possible rise of a Gen Z-backed political party, these developments could profoundly shape Nepal’s evolving democratic landscape.

The crisis traces back to September 8, 2025, when the government imposed a ban on several social media platforms, igniting youth-led demonstrations in Kathmandu that quickly spread nationwide. Protesters’ demands expanded beyond the ban, with placards bearing slogans like “Shut down corruption, not social media,” “Unban social media,” “Youths against corruption,” and “Topple this government,” reflecting deep-seated anger over widespread corruption, unemployment, economic inequality, and political misrule. By September 9, the movement had engulfed multiple cities, culminating in the resignation of then-Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on September 12, and the subsequent appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister, alongside Parliament’s dissolution.

These elections stake the credibility of Nepal’s traditional parties, the aspirations of its youth, and the nation’s track record of conducting free, fair, and inclusive polls, all within a nascent federal democratic republic where public trust in institutions remains fragile. Major challenges include restoring political legitimacy amid perceptions of dynastic control, corruption, and clientelism that have eroded faith in established parties, as underscored by the Gen Z protests, signalling that the status quo is untenable. Without rebuilding trust, the polls risk low voter turnout, apathy, or even unrest. The Election Commission faces a compressed six-month timeline to update voter rolls, train personnel, devise security measures, and facilitate out-of-country voting, with experts noting persistent legal and technical barriers for diaspora participation. Political violence remains a threat in a linguistically, ethnically, and regionally diverse country, where unaddressed socioeconomic divides — particularly between the hills and plains — could undermine inclusive representation. With informal employment dominant and a 2024 GDP per capita of about USD 1,400, many young Nepalis feel economically marginalized, and without concrete economic policies, the elections might amplify discontent, threatening democratic stability. Youth groups have pushed for constitutional shifts, such as a directly elected prime minister, but Nepal’s fragmented politics makes such reforms daunting, potentially framing the vote as an endorsement of existing flaws rather than genuine progress.

Despite these hurdles, targeted reforms aim to enhance inclusivity and youth engagement. A key change lowers the voting age to 16, allowing those turning 18 by March 4, 2026, to vote, while enabling advance registration for 16-year-olds with citizenship certificates and biometric data at centers or online. As of October 31, 2025, over 90,000 new voters have registered, with projections adding another 100,000 by the campaign’s end. The Election Commission and Interim Government plan a pilot for overseas voting, though its scale is limited by logistical constraints. Internal discussions on party and electoral reforms, coupled with the administration’s outreach to youth organizations and parties, seek to build pre-election dialogue and confidence.

Karki’s Interim Government bears the dual responsibility of ensuring stability and credible elections, leveraging her judicial background and anti-corruption reputation to restore some public faith. Initial engagements with Gen Z activists and major parties demonstrate responsiveness, while the fixed election timeline minimizes uncertainty. Yet, the six-month tenure constrains ambitious reforms, especially amid institutional weaknesses such as low morale in the security forces and the Election Commission, compounded by lingering protest volatility. If youth radicalization persists and traditional parties resist adaptation, disruptions could jeopardize the process, leaving the government navigating between entrenched interests and popular demands. Inherited issues — trust deficits, economic vulnerability, and institutional fragility — further temper expectations for comprehensive success.

A pivotal shift emerges from the Gen Z movement’s potential formation of a political party, announced on October 19, 2025, under leader Miraj Dhungana. While not committing to contest the polls until core demands like a directly elected executive and overseas voting rights are met, the group vows to champion good governance, transparency, and anti-corruption efforts, honouring the movement’s sacrifices. Having already toppled the preceding government through street mobilization, this initiative could harness momentum for electoral influence, especially with newly enfranchised younger voters drawn to its emphasis on accountability and reform — long sidelined by older parties. Though unlikely to dominate, its entry injects unpredictability, potentially reshaping political margins and pressuring incumbents.

On November 1, 2025, Prime Minister Karki met with media editors at her residence, urging collaborative support for the elections and highlighting consultations with Gen Z groups and parties to foster a conducive environment. She emphasized building widespread trust to ensure a smooth handover to the new government.

Ultimately, Nepal’s projected March 5, 2026, elections mark a referendum on its democracy’s resilience, with the Interim Government’s reforms — lowered voting age, overseas voting pilots, and youth outreach — signaling intent for renewal, despite strained execution and capacity. The Gen Zpolitical force adds transformative potential, contingent on converting protest energy into organized structures and appeal. Key markers include youth participation rates, monitoring by international and domestic observers, result acceptance by major players, and initial anti-corruption and inclusivity measures. While major parties may retain sway, with moderated margins and commitment to incremental changes, the youth movement’s imprint could endure, determining whether frustrated citizens, entrenched elites, and frail institutions can forge credible democratic advancement.