Gen-Z Rebellion and the Agenda of Political Parties

Mahesh Ghimire
In the upcoming elections, political parties are certain to prioritize “Political Stability, Good Governance, and Prosperity” to address the unrest of the youth and the Gen-Z generation. While these slogans have been echoed since 1991, the challenge now is to move beyond election manifestos and ensure actual implementation. If the aspirations of the students and youth who took to the streets are not met, the risk of a “Gen-Z Rebellion 2.0” remains high.

Since the 1990 movement, Nepal has faced frequent government changes. Although the 2015 Constitution was hailed as one of the “best in the world,” it has failed to deliver stability in practice. As long as the current electoral system—particularly the proportional representation component—remains, the likelihood of a single party gaining a clear majority is slim. To address this, constitutional amendments are needed to reduce electoral constituencies (from 165 to 100), make the National Assembly more inclusive, and downsize local levels (from 753 to 600) to ensure structural efficiency. History, marked by governments collapsing in nine months and scandals like the “Pajero Case,” underscores the urgent need for stability.

Nepal’s democratic history is caught in a conflict between the rhetoric of “good governance” and the reality of corruption. From the “Pampha Devi” rumors of the Panchayat era to the Dhamija, Pajero, Fertilizer, and Chase Air scandals of the democratic era, corruption has hollowed out state institutions. Recent cases like the Lalita Niwas land scam, fake Bhutanese refugees, Sudan scandal, 33kg gold smuggling, and the Omni-Yeti controversy involve top-tier leadership, mocking the very concept of transparency. The responsibility to control corruption lies primarily with the executive branch, rather than shifting the entire burden onto the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).

Today, the lack of governance in Nepal is not just an internal issue; it is tied to the country’s international standing. Nepal faces an increasing risk of moving from the “Grey List” to the “Black List” regarding money laundering issues. Granting immunity to fugitives and the growing influence of “middlemen” over the government have jeopardized Nepal’s financial security. If the government formed on the foundation of the Gen-Z rebellion continues the same “disreputable” patterns of the past, the nation will face a severe crisis.

Prosperity is not just a slogan; it is a matter of political will and vision. In the upcoming elections, figures like Gagan Thapa, Balendra Shah (Balen), and K.P. Sharma Oli are being seen as potential candidates for Prime Minister. Regardless of who takes the lead, the primary challenge is to halt the exodus of youth and create an environment for domestic industry and investment. Prosperity will remain elusive without ending the culture of “bargaining” for files and creating a concrete plan to attract foreign investment.

In conclusion, if the next government fails to authentically implement political stability, good governance, and prosperity, a new cycle of rebellion and despair is inevitable. For the sake of their own survival, political parties must ensure that they deliver on their manifesto promises this time.