Will Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising Finally Deliver a Clean Election?

In the wake of the tumultuous “Gen Z Protests” that successfully forced the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and led to the dissolution of Parliament, Nepal is now racing towards a critical snap General Election scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The polls, necessitated by September’s youth-led anti-corruption and anti-impunity uprising, are seen as a litmus test for the future of Nepali democracy. Guiding this volatile transition is an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, a figure lauded for her strong anti-corruption stance, yet whose constitutional appointment remains a point of contention. The core challenge for Karki’s government and the Election Commission (EC) is to translate the public’s fury into a credible electoral outcome, breaking a decades-long cycle of political musical chairs and chronic bad governance.

The Imperative for a ‘Clean’ Election

For the March 2026 election to be considered “clean,” it must address the deep-seated frustrations that fueled the Gen Z movement—specifically, the culture of impunity, electoral malpractice, and the total disconnect between the political elite and the young electorate.

Upholding Security and Accountability

The most immediate challenge is restoring order. The September uprising, which claimed at least 76 lives and saw the torching of political offices—including the CPN (UML) office and even the President’s residence—has left a fragile security environment. Renewed clashes between Gen Z demonstrators and party cadres, particularly in the Tarai belt, underscore the volatility.

The interim government must ensure that the ongoing judicial inquiry into the September violence, especially regarding the use of lethal force by police, is independent, transparent, and time-bound. Lack of justice for the deceased would delegitimise the entire process. Furthermore, the Election Commission and security agencies must create a fear-free environment to encourage voter participation, especially given reports of missing weapons and hundreds of escaped inmates following the initial chaos.

Cleaning the Electoral Process Itself

Nepal’s traditional electoral framework has been marred by allegations of excessive campaign spending, vote buying, and intimidation, particularly in rural areas.

• Campaign Finance: The EC must rigorously enforce spending limits and ensure transparency in party funding. The new wave of independent and youth-driven parties cannot compete against the deep pockets of the establishment without strict oversight.
• Voter Roll and Logistics: The process of updating the voter list to include the newly engaged Gen Z population must be expedited. Logistical hurdles, including possible snowfall in high-altitude districts in March and the long-standing demand for voting rights for Nepalis abroad, must be addressed swiftly to ensure maximum inclusivity.
• Digital Integrity: Given that the protests were sparked by a social media ban, the EC must leverage digital tools for voter education and transparency, while simultaneously safeguarding against misinformation and cyber threats, a new vector of electoral interference.

Old References and Current Conditions

The upcoming poll must overcome the negative legacies of past elections, particularly those that cemented the power of the three main parties: Nepali Congress (NC), CPN (UML), and CPN (Maoist Centre).

The current condition is defined by the Gen Z effect. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a new political force, performed surprisingly well in 2022 and, alongside new youth-led parties, is poised to capitalize on the massive anti-establishment sentiment. The traditional parties, while trying to project reform, face intense pressure to field younger, less tainted candidates to survive the popular demand for “new faces.”

Prime Minister Karki, in office until the scheduled March 2026 polls, has pledged to leave no stone unturned. Her success hinges not just on holding the election on time, but on guaranteeing an electoral environment that finally respects the youth’s demand for democracy rooted in accountability and integrity. Failure to deliver a clean election could lead to a deeper constitutional crisis and further spiral of public discontent, potentially destabilising the fragile republic once more.