Two months after the Gen Z uprising erupted across Nepal, the country finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the legacy of a youth movement that has shaken its political, economic, and social foundations. What began as a spontaneous protest against corruption, political stagnation, and lack of representation has evolved into a structured push for sweeping reforms, with young leaders now finalizing a nine-point draft agreement aimed at institutionalizing their demands for a more accountable and inclusive Nepal.
According to The Kathmandu Post, the Gen Z uprising that took place on September 8-9, 2025, was not merely a burst of youthful energy but a pointed response to deep dissatisfaction with Nepal’s democratic processes and the growing distrust in the country’s governance structures. The movement, which saw 76 people killed—including 19 unarmed demonstrators on the first day—forced the resignation of the KP Oli-led coalition government and led to the formation of an interim administration headed by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. This interim government, backed by Gen Z activists, has been tasked with holding snap elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
The draft agreement, submitted on November 11, 2025, by the Nepal Gen Z Front to Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s advisors, encapsulates the collective demands of Gen Z groups. It frames the uprising as a call for civil expression and social justice, focusing on anti-corruption, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. The document, as reported by The Kathmandu Post, describes the protests as a collective expression of dissatisfaction that transcends party lines and seeks political innovation. It also acknowledges the role of digital platforms, cultural symbols, and creative expressions as new forms of civic and political engagement.
One of the draft’s most poignant demands is that those killed during the September protests be declared martyrs. The Gen Z leaders call on the government to provide immediate relief and free healthcare to the injured, and to address the long-term needs of the families affected. They propose the formation of an independent, impartial commission with Gen Z representation to investigate the killings and human rights violations, recommend prosecution and punishment for those responsible, and ensure institutional reforms to prevent recurrence. The commission is also tasked with differentiating between protester actions and organized criminal acts, ensuring that justice is meted out fairly.
Beyond justice for the victims, the draft agreement seeks to address the root causes of unrest in Nepal. It calls for prompt and thorough investigations into corruption, abuse of authority, and unexplained wealth among political leaders and officials. Legal action against those found guilty is demanded, as is the formation of a working group—including Gen Z representatives—to study and recommend reforms to end political party dominance and patronage in government appointments. The draft also urges amendments to existing laws to ensure these reforms are effectively implemented.
Another major focus is electoral reform. The draft advocates for the facilitation of voter registration for Gen Z and other unregistered citizens, including Nepalis living abroad, with the necessary resources provided in coordination with a youth-inclusive working group. The Gen Z leaders also demand amendments to election-related laws to guarantee free, fair, and peaceful elections, as well as a high-level, independent committee to review and recommend constitutional amendments. This committee would be responsible for safeguarding national sovereignty, democracy, equality, inclusion, good governance, and anti-corruption measures, all while reflecting the aspirations of a modern Nepal.
Inclusivity is at the heart of the Gen Z movement’s demands. The draft stresses that government bodies, including the Council of Ministers, should reflect gender, ethnic, and social diversity through equal and participatory representation of women, Dalits, indigenous groups, Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims, marginalized communities, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, farmers, workers, and the economically disadvantaged. An expert advisory group, including Gen Z and youth voices, is recommended to ensure these interests are represented in policy-making.
Transparency and digital rights are also key pillars. The draft calls on the government to make all actions, decisions, and expenditures open and accessible, ensuring transparency in every process. It specifically warns against the imposition of illegal regulations, bans, or censorship on the internet and digital communications. The Gen Z leaders demand legal, physical, and technical safeguards to protect freedom of expression, privacy, and to prevent illegal surveillance or misuse of citizens’ digital data by the state or third parties.
But the Gen Z uprising has laid bare much more than just a list of demands; it has exposed the deep-seated flaws in Nepal’s political system. As The Kathmandu Post notes, the country has cycled through 32 governments in 35 years, with none completing a full five-year term since 2008. This instability is less a sign of vibrant democracy and more an indication of weak institutions and a political class focused on power-sharing rather than effective governance. The public’s trust in institutions has eroded due to rampant corruption, patronage, and poor service delivery, with leaders frequently switching parties and presenting each reshuffle as a “revolutionary change” while little improves for ordinary citizens.
The economic consequences of the uprising have been severe. Estimates suggest that Nepal suffered losses exceeding Rs 50 billion due to business closures, property damage, and supply disruptions during the protests. Tourism, a key sector, has slumped, and foreign investors are increasingly wary. These events have only compounded existing economic woes: youth unemployment stands at 21 percent, and over 2,000 young Nepalis leave the country daily in search of work abroad. Remittances now constitute more than 25 percent of the nation’s GDP, underscoring the failure of the political system to create opportunities at home.
The Gen Z movement has also exposed and widened social and generational divides. The protests highlighted the gap between a digitally connected, change-hungry youth and an older political establishment clinging to the status quo. Security lapses—including a mass prison break during the unrest—underscored the fragility of state institutions and revived trauma among citizens who have lived through a decade of Maoist insurgency, multiple political crises, and natural disasters like the 2015 earthquakes. Meanwhile, political parties have shown little confidence in Gen Z representatives or the interim government, deepening mistrust ahead of the March 2026 elections.
Nepal’s diplomatic standing has not been immune to the turmoil. Frequent government changes and shifting foreign policy priorities have created an unpredictable diplomatic environment, weakening the country’s relationships with key neighbors like India and China. The Gen Z movement, however, has made clear that this generation demands more than just electoral democracy—they want accountable leadership, functioning institutions, and a government that serves rather than rules.
As Nepal moves toward its snap elections, the Gen Z uprising stands as both a warning and a hope: a warning that the old ways are no longer tenable, and a hope that a new generation, armed with digital savvy and a drive for justice, might just succeed where their predecessors have faltered. The coming months will reveal whether Nepal’s leaders are willing to heed the call for genuine reform—or risk further unrest from a generation unwilling to settle for less.
