In the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal stands at a political crossroads, its recent history marked by upheaval, resilience, and the looming promise of elections that could reshape its future. The Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9, 2025, have left an indelible mark on the nation’s psyche, echoing the waves of civil unrest that have swept through South Asia in recent years. As the dust settles, the international community is turning a keen eye toward Nepal’s upcoming general elections, scheduled for March 5, 2026, eager to see whether the country can transition peacefully to a new era of governance.
The Gen Z protests were not an anomaly in the region. According to The Kathmandu Post, similar uprisings had already shaken neighboring countries: President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan in 2021, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was forced from Sri Lanka in 2022, and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh in 2024 after massive popular demonstrations. The common thread? Governments that failed to address post-pandemic hardship, leaving their citizens in economic distress and social disillusionment.
Nepal’s turn came after its own struggles with pandemic recovery. The state’s inability to implement effective measures to mitigate unemployment and disrupted livelihoods set the stage for public anger. Despite reassurances from political leaders that Nepal was faring better than its neighbors, the people weren’t convinced. The result was a dramatic outpouring of frustration, culminating in the Gen Z protests that saw the executive, legislature, and judiciary all targeted in acts of arson and vandalism. “Whatever the narratives set by the political class, the civilians form their opinions based on their own experience,” foreign affairs expert Nishchal Nath Pandey told The Kathmandu Post. “They did not address the message of the public, which was crucial at that point, resulting in the ‘lightning strike’ on September 8 and 9.”
Yet, unlike its neighbors, Nepal’s leadership did not flee. The Nepali Army played a pivotal role in this outcome, safeguarding the head of state and government without resorting to lethal force. International observers were reportedly impressed by the Army’s ability to restore order swiftly and peacefully. This has enhanced public trust in the military, distinguishing it from other regional security forces that failed to prevent regime collapses.
At a press conference on October 19, 2025, Major General Anup Jung Thapa emphasized the Army’s apolitical stance. “The Army does not engage in politics. It is clear from the dialogue with Gen Z that the Army does not do politics. During critical times, the Army only evaluates the security situation objectively and takes necessary initiatives to maintain peace and order,” he stated, as reported by Republica. Thapa also acknowledged that while the Army had been monitoring the situation and submitting regular intelligence reports—every 15 days since mid-April 2025—about the country’s fragile security environment, including rising cyberattacks, it could not always predict the exact nature or intensity of the protests. Questions remain about whether these reports were adequately communicated to or acted upon by then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, with some sources suggesting the warnings may have been ignored.
The Army’s intelligence gathering, it turns out, is a networked affair, involving journalists, teachers, local representatives, and civilians who maintain positive relations with security agencies. These grassroots sources help compile the reports submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM). Despite this robust system, the abrupt eruption of the Gen Z protests caught many in government off guard—a fact that has fueled further debate about accountability at the highest levels.
Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who resigned in the wake of the protests, has not gone quietly. In his first formal interaction with the media since his ouster, Oli accused the interim government of targeting him for arrest "without sufficient grounds," as reported by India Today and PTI. “The government seems more focused on personal vendetta than governance,” Oli asserted, charging the administration with misusing power to suppress political opponents rather than restoring democratic order. He also criticized the withdrawal of his security personnel, claiming ongoing threats to his safety, and described a dramatic rescue by the Army from his official residence after it was attacked by protesters.
Oli’s criticisms didn’t stop there. He labeled the caretaker government, led by former chief justice Sushila Karki since September 12, as “unconstitutional” and accused it of being formed “in clear violation of democratic principles.” He also took aim at the Gen Z movement itself, alleging that it was influenced by “external forces” and that the arson and vandalism were instigated by outsiders. “I couldn’t accept the so-called Nepo-babe campaign launched by the Gen Z youths, which spread terror among the Nepalese people,” he said, referencing a youth-led initiative targeting the perceived corruption and privilege of political elites’ children. While Oli expressed support for anti-corruption efforts, he condemned the destructive tactics that led to the burning of government buildings, including the Prime Minister’s Office, Parliament, and Supreme Court.
Despite the turbulence, Oli signaled his intent to remain active in politics, hinting at a possible comeback if voters support him. “The country and my party still need me, and I am capable of contributing to the nation and society,” he declared, distancing himself from other leaders who have stepped down in the face of political turmoil.
Meanwhile, the interim government faces its own challenges. It has yet to appoint a foreign minister, a fact that has drawn scrutiny but, according to foreign affairs expert Pandey, is not unprecedented. “The state can still function in the absence of such an appointment, as the prime minister can hold the portfolio,” he explained, citing historical examples from both Nepal and India. The interim administration has also recalled several ambassadors, a move intended to halt the politicization of diplomatic appointments, though replacements are unlikely until after the March elections.
As Nepal prepares for its crucial vote, the international community is watching closely. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the resilience of the Nepali people, and the Dalai Lama’s unprecedented congratulatory message to Nepal’s prime minister underscores the heightened global interest. The stakes are high: the interim government’s primary mandate is to ensure free and fair elections, a smooth transfer of power, and the restoration of public trust. This includes apprehending the thousands of criminals who escaped during the unrest and regaining stolen weapons—measures essential for societal harmony and election legitimacy.
With the scars of September still fresh and the world’s gaze fixed on Kathmandu, Nepal’s path forward will require deft political stewardship, inclusive dialogue across the spectrum, and a renewed commitment to democratic principles. How the nation navigates these coming months will shape not just its own destiny, but also serve as a bellwether for stability in a region all too familiar with political storms.
