Nepal too has faced deep political strife in recent months and years. Across the country, violent protests broke out, leading to the torching of political party offices, including KP Sharma Oli’s own private residence. As unrest continues, a faction of young activists, identified as “Gen Z,” is taking the initiative to appoint an interim leader amid calls for a more democratic governance structure. As the army continues to enforce a curfew, talks over who might lead the transition have focused on several possible candidates.
The protests initially broke out after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, after two days of increasing violence and protests. While the situation remains tense, Gen Z activists are actively negotiating with military authorities to identify a credible figure to lead the country temporarily. Sushila Karki, a former chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, has become something of a rock star in these conversations. Balendra Shah, the 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu and a leader of the protest movement, is among those endorsing her.
Political Unrest and Its Aftermath
This discontent has boiled over into protests in Nepal’s capital, producing violent scenes. In nationwide protests, demonstrators were violently repressed and burned down their parliament. The army, reacting to the flareup of violence, announced a curfew that was to last through Friday morning. They have threatened that any further protests would be met with “firm action.”
In light of this turmoil, newly-elected President Ramchandra Paudel has issued a call to all sides to come to the table and negotiate. Just yesterday, some analysts were optimistically penciling in elections within six months. This hopeful scenario hinges on how soon calm can be reestablished, leading to an urgent need for discussion.
The quick timing of events came as a shock to many activists. Bishal Sapkota, a prominent voice within the protest movement, noted, “Frankly, the protesters didn’t expect the government to fall within just two days, so they were somewhat unprepared for this rapid success.”
Rising Leaders from the Gen Z Movement
Balendra Shah has continued to prove himself a leader to the wider Gen-Z movement. Shah’s history in the music world as a former rap artist and composer further guides his creative vision. His artistic talents combined with a strong educational background in civil engineering from some of Nepal and India’s best schools lay at the core of his popularity.
In an important turn of events, Shah has officially expressed public support for Sushila Karki to be appointed as an interim leader. Karki is seen as an independent, outsider candidate, projecting herself away from traditional political parties. This perception might help to strengthen her credibility with the Gen Z activists who are looking for a leader with an unblemished record.
Many are concerned over Karki’s nomination due to her connections to the former prime minister. Most think that makes her the most credible option to lead the nation through this particularly transitional time. An INGO director stated:
“The Nepal army and a few others may have reservations, as she was nominated by the former prime minister who just resigned. But the majority are saying she is the most credible, with a clean record, to lead the process despite divided opinion.”
Karki’s prominence among the protesters shows the deep yearning for leadership in which competence trumps a hunger to cling to power. A 26-year-old protester articulated this sentiment:
“In our generation, nobody is saying ‘I’ll take this leadership position’. We genuinely want the right people to lead, not just someone hungry for power.”
The Collective Voice of Gen Z
These protests organized by the youth of Nepal known as Gen Z have created fundamental changes in the political environment of Nepal forever. Activists have preserved for their movement the powerful message that it isn’t centrally organized. Rather, it is an unscripted, organic expression of discontent arising from cities across the country. Sapkota remarked:
“This was an organic, decentralised protest across multiple cities — not a centrally organised movement.”
Not all protesters are suspicious of the big players though. They are also suspicious of manipulations from groups trying to implement royalist agendas or foreign influence. This realization has led to greater advocacy and demand to uphold constitutional norms and values within this chaotic political environment. One young woman highlighted the risk of deviating from constitutional norms:
“If we go beyond the constitution, we create a vacuum — and that’s where the monarchy could step in. For us, the constitution is our strongest safeguard.”
What started as a wave of peaceful protests quickly descended into fire and mayhem. Participants are committed to continuing to bring order and justice to speak for restoring democratic processes. Another activist noted:
“Of course, part of it is fear, but part of it is that we want the process to be collective.”
Debate over the form of leadership and governance in Nepal is growing increasingly intense. Gen Z activists have already proven they are willing to—and able to—become a powerful force in determining the country’s fate.
