Citizens ConcernCivic ConcernPolitics
Defeat the old parties in Nepal, in the aftermath of the Gen Z Revolution:
How the World Views Nepal?
November 20-
Background on Nepal’s Gen Z Revolution and Political Shift:
In September 2025, Nepal experienced a youth-led uprising driven by Generation Z protesters, sparked initially by a government-imposed ban on 26 social media platforms for non-compliance with registration rules. This quickly escalated into broader demands for accountability, an end to corruption, elite impunity, and systemic inequality. The protests turned violent, resulting in at least 19 deaths (with some reports citing up to 74), hundreds injured, arson attacks on government buildings like Parliament and Singha Durbar, and the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
In a novel twist, protesters used Discord servers to coordinate actions, share information, and even conduct a poll with over 7,000 votes to select former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister, marking a shift toward digital democracy.
This “revolution” has reshaped Nepal’s political landscape, leading to an interim government and snap elections scheduled for March 2026. Traditional parties like the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Centre)—often criticized for corruption, nepotism, and elite control—face unprecedented challenges.
In response, over 125 new parties have registered, including youth-driven ones like the Shram Sanskriti Party and Gatisheel Party, with Gen Z groups announcing plans to form their own party contingent on reforms like a new constitution, Hindu Rashtra declaration, term limits for leaders, and arrests of former officials involved in past massacres.
However, many new parties are personality-based, lacking clear ideologies or policies, which could dilute their impact.
The old parties maintain advantages through established networks, funding, and rural voter bases, but the uprising exposed their vulnerabilities: youth unemployment (around 20%), remittance dependency (25% of GDP), and public disillusionment with “nepo kids” and lavish elites.
For new parties to defeat them, they must capitalize on this momentum while addressing internal divisions and the resurgence of traditional forces.
Key Strategies for New Parties to PrevailBased on analyses of the uprising, emerging political dynamics, and historical patterns in Nepal’s multiparty democracy, new parties can employ the following high-level strategies. These draw from the Gen Z movement’s successes (e.g., digital mobilization) and lessons from past transitions, such as the 2006 People’s Movement that ended the monarchy. Success hinges on unity, as fragmented new parties risk splitting the reformist vote, allowing old guards to rebound.
Mobilize and Educate the Youth Vote: Gen Z and millennials, who make up a significant portion of Nepal’s 30 million population, drove the revolution but represent a vocal urban minority. New parties should target them by speaking their language—using memes, polls, and apps like Discord or TikTok for engagement—while educating on political processes to boost turnout. Historical data shows low youth participation in elections; reversing this could create a decisive bloc.
Build nationwide networks across all 7 provinces and 77 districts to form an “alternative civilian force,” as suggested by activists.
Focus on Anti-Corruption and Policy Differentiation:
Old parties are tainted by scandals; new ones must promise concrete reforms like independent anti-corruption bodies, term limits, and asset disclosures. Differentiate with youth-centric policies: job creation in tech/agriculture, education reform, and climate action. Avoid personality cults—emphasize ideologies like democratic renewal and inclusivity for marginalized groups (e.g., Dalits, women). United Civic Party can be a pivotal coordinator in this regards.
Leverage Digital and Grassroots Tools:
The revolution proved the power of social media for rapid organization. New parties should maintain online servers for transparent decision-making, crowdfunding, and real-time feedback, while expanding to rural areas via community meetings. This counters old parties’ reliance on patronage networks.
Form Strategic Alliances and Avoid Fragmentation: With 125+ parties, consolidation is key. Merge with like-minded groups (e.g., Gen Z outfits aligning with independent figures like rapper Balen Shah) to avoid vote-splitting. Engage in dialogues with interim leaders and the Election Commission for fair rules, such as proportional representation favoring newcomers.
Address External Influences and Build Sovereignty: Some analyses suggest Western NGOs and U.S. funding amplified the protests, potentially hijacking genuine demands. New parties should emphasize national sovereignty, scrutinize foreign aid, and promote self-reliant policies to appeal to nationalists wary of external meddling.
Institutionalize Internal Democracy: To outlast the hype, adopt Hirschman’s “exit, voice, loyalty” framework: allow internal dissent, transparent governance, and youth leadership rotations. This contrasts with old parties’ top-down structures and could prevent post-election disillusionment.
Voter Base
Old partied: Strong in rural areas; loyal older demographics via patronage.
New parties: Urban youth and millennials; digital-savvy but limited rural reach.
Funding/Resources
Old: Established networks, state ties; resilient to shocks.
New: Reliant on crowdfunding, NGOs; vulnerable to fragmentation.
Key Advantages
Old: Experience in governance; broad alliances.
New: Fresh anti-corruption image; innovative mobilization tools.
Challenges
Old: Perceived as corrupt and elitist; lost youth trust post-uprising.
New: Personality-driven; risk of inexperience leading to policy failures.
Path to Victory
Old: Maintain status quo through vote-buying and divisions among newcomers.
New: Unite reformists, leverage social media for turnout; focus on accountability.
In summary, new parties’ success depends on transforming protest energy into sustained organization. While the old guard may regroup, the Gen Z momentum—fueled by 20% youth unemployment and demands for change—offers a real opportunity if channeled strategically. Failure to unify could see a return to the pre-uprising status quo, as warned by observers.
(Mr Adhikari is the Spokesperson and Joint General Secretary of United Civic Party (UCP); he also serves as the Executive Secretary of Civic Concern Nepal which works for Restoring Human Dignity.
