Gen Z’s revolt in Nepal and the future of South Asian democracy
Remember when furious youth took to the streets in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and toppled veteran leaders and their regime? Nepal, a country of 30 million people sandwiched between India and China, saw a huge Gen Z protest that toppled a prime minister and set the stage for new elections. These aren't just protests, it's a wake-up call about frustration with corruption and inequality that echoes across borders, from Delhi to Colombo to Dhaka.
The youth protests in Nepal, set off by a ban on social media, led to the resignation of the KP Sharma Oli government and the dissolution of parliament. The two-day Gen Z protests on Sep. 8 and 9 resulted in 76 deaths, many injuries and thousands of prisoners escaping. Many politicians' homes were vandalised, and government buildings and parliament were torched. The protesters changed the conversation, and if they succeed in channeling that energy into electoral gains, it might redefine democracy. This protest was not just youthful rebellion, but a call for democratic renewal. Nepal's young people have the energy to truly shake things up. But first, they must turn their online passion into real-world action.
Nepal's post-protest elections challenge our democratic imagination far more than they do the ballot boxes. The votes matter, but the real question is how to build systems where accountability becomes permanent, using tools like transparent campaign funding and civic technology. If we don't, the vacuum could result in the kind of populism that India has grappled with for years.
Nepal has struggled with political instability for decades. Since 2008, the country has seen 14 different governments, not one of which has completed a full five-year term. Corruption has permeated every level, holding the country back for years. Youth unemployment is around 20 percent, forcing thousands to seek work abroad — their remittances amount to a third of Nepal's gross domestic product — while politicians' kids flaunt luxury goods on TikTok.
This isn't unique to Nepal. In India, we've seen how economic woes and corruption scandals create openings for populist figures who promise quick fixes but often deepen divisions. In Bangladesh, youth-led protests ousted Sheikh Hasina, but now the interim government struggles to prevent a backlash.
The risk in Nepal is that without embedding youth voices into the structure of governance, populism fills the gap. If Nepal's elections bring back the old leaders without real checks on their power, young voters might disengage or protest again, uniting behind divisive leaders who exploit their anger.
Nepal should institutionalize accountability. Empowering independent bodies like the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority would signal a break from the past. Nepal could pass laws that require disclosure of donations, caps on spending, and independent audits. This would cut down on hidden deals and level the playing field for young competitors.
They must empower youth politically, integrating Gen Z voices into policymaking and ensuring their ideas are translated into action. Those in power must address migration by creating domestic opportunities through subsidies for small enterprises and improving labor laws to formalize the workforce.
Skeptics may argue that youth movements burn bright but fade fast. But change won't happen overnight and ignoring them risks letting a power vacuum grow.
Nepal's Gen Z revolution reminds us that true renewal often emerges from the rubble. Youth in Nepal should stay vigilant and channel their digital prowess into building. In their defiance lies not just Nepal's hope, but a blueprint for economies everywhere stifled by complacency.
Brabim Karki is a businessman and writer based in Nepal.