In Nepal’s political history, a change of government following a popular movement has almost become a routine emergency. Yet the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9 were unlike anything the nation had witnessed before. From school and college students to young professionals, crowds poured into the streets, denouncing corruption, opaque governance and the failures of an ageing political generation. The scale of sacrifice was immense—74 lives lost, hundreds injured, and widespread destruction of property. Out of this upheaval, the KP Oli-led government fell, and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was entrusted with leading an interim government. This government carries a singular and historic mandate: to hold free and fair elections within six months. The clock is already ticking, with only 164 days left until the March 5, 2026 deadline. Nearly two weeks after her appointment, Prime Minister Karki has now given her cabinet almost a full shape, with just three more portfolios pending if she sticks with her plan to have an 11-member cabinet. The time for hesitation is over. The priority must now shift decisively to election preparations.
EC intensifies preparations for free, fair poll
The legitimacy of the upcoming election will hinge not only on its technical execution but also on its political credibility. An election without the active participation of major political parties and broad voter turnout risks being rejected by the people. Prime Minister Karki must therefore focus on building trust across the political spectrum. Only with consensus and cooperation from all stakeholders can elections be conducted in a manner that commands legitimacy at home and abroad. Three immediate tasks demand urgent attention. First, establish a commission with credible leadership to investigate the violence, hold those responsible accountable and deliver justice to victims’ families. Without this, public trust will erode. Second, restore all the police outposts that are either displaced or are in logistically poor condition to maintain effective law and order situation. There is an urgent need to rebuild security infrastructure destroyed during the protests and boost the morale of police personnel. Government buildings, police vehicles and equipment were lost. Security agencies must be re-equipped swiftly to ensure credible polls. A secure environment is indispensable for free voter participation. Third, appoint commissioners at the Election Commission (EC) and remove legal barriers to ensure participation of eligible young voters in the upcoming election. Thousands of young voters risk disenfranchisement under the current system, while promises to enfranchise Nepalis abroad remain unfulfilled. Issuing ordinances to address these gaps would send a powerful signal of seriousness.
The Gen Z movement was not merely a rebellion—it was an awakening, a call for justice, clean governance and youth inclusion in national decision-making. One of their important demands was to ensure good governance and end rampant corruption in the country. To ignore this mandate would invite deeper disillusionment and instability. Delivering free, fair, and inclusive elections is both a political and moral obligation for the interim government. The task ahead is daunting, but not impossible. With political will, efficient administration and transparent processes, the March 2026 elections can be held successfully. Prime Minister Karki must now rise above hesitation, secure the confidence of major parties and lead with determination. A government born out of a people’s movement cannot afford to fail. Nepal today stands at a decisive crossroads—reconstruction on one side, regression on the other. The choice lies in the resolve of this interim government.
