Kathmandu: With just three days remaining until the two-month anniversary of the historic Gen Z protest in Nepal, the government, political parties, and Gen Z youths are under intense scrutiny. The government faces a critical test in its commitment to hold the March 5 election to the House of Representatives, while the political parties and the Gen Z movement are also at a significant crossroads.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the interim government, which emerged following the Gen Z protest on September 8-9, is actively working to fulfill its historic responsibility of organizing the March 5 election. The government has engaged in discussions with political parties, Gen Z representatives, civil society, and the media to clarify its stance on the election and its efforts toward good governance.
Diplomatic entities have been briefed on the current situation, and the government has sought their cooperation. Government spokesperson Jagadish Kharel expressed optimism after dialogues with political parties and Gen Z representatives, highlighting the potential for a conducive election atmosphere. However, political parties, initially critical of the government as unconstitutional and undemocratic, have demanded assurances of safety for a free and fair election.
Despite ongoing efforts for good governance and election preparation, the government has not fully secured the trust of political parties to intensify collaborative election preparations. Initially, the government faced a dilemma on whether to take a tough stance against political parties or concentrate on the election. Continuous pressure from Gen Z led to considerations of action against political parties, but wider consultations appeared to ease tensions.
Prime Minister Sushila Karki met with Nepali Congress General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma to seek cooperation for the election. Their discussions are expected to aid in building an electoral atmosphere. Additionally, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal sought support from former President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, who recalled the challenges overcome during the past Constituent Assembly election and expressed confidence in the government’s ability to succeed in the current election.
Political parties, particularly communist and left-leaning ones, are experiencing a wave of unification and splits in response to the Gen Z protest and the upcoming March 5 election. Eight leftist groups, including CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (Unified Socialist), have announced unification plans. However, internal disputes plague the Nepali Congress, with debates over leadership changes before or after the election.
Amid the Gen Z protests, some leaders have pledged party restructuring, but leadership remains a contentious issue within major political parties. The Gen Z movement, while divided, has emphasized corruption control and good governance as common goals. Nonetheless, a unified stance among Gen Z groups is necessary to effectively channel their demands and prevent internal divisions.
President Ramchandra Paudel, speaking at the 2nd World Summit for Social Development in Doha, Qatar, likened Nepal’s Gen Z protest to global youth movements advocating for good governance. He emphasized the upcoming March 5 election as a crucial step for political stability and development in Nepal.
The election and good governance initiatives are not solely the responsibility of the current government but require cooperation among the government, political parties, and Gen Z. As Nepal navigates this pivotal time, trust, collaboration, and cooperation are essential for successful outcomes.