Nepal stands at a critical juncture. The nationwide protests led by Generation Z, fueled by frustration with political stagnation, economic mismanagement and unresponsive leadership, have brought the country to a state of crisis. As youth representatives now engage in dialogue to seek a peaceful resolution, it is crucial to recognize that any settlement must preserve the fundamental values of democracy. The alternative is not regression but progressive democracy—a governance model that strengthens democratic principles while embracing inclusivity, transparency and accountability. Nepal’s democratic journey has been long and arduous. After over a century of autocratic Rana rule, King Tribhuvan, in alliance with political leaders and public movements, established democracy in 1951. The Nepali Congress, formed during this period, led the early democratic movements, navigating cycles of instability, royal interventions and political setbacks. The years that followed the establishment of democracy in 1951 saw further turbulence. The democracy was hijacked by then King Mahendra in 1960 and a party-less Panchayat system was established, dissolving the democratically elected government. In the 1980s, popular discontent against the Panchayat system culminated in the 1990 People’s Movement (Jana Andolan), which ended the partyless Panchayat system and reinstated multi-party democracy. Later, in the 1996–2006 decade-long Maoist insurgency, the nation confronted the challenge of integrating armed struggle with democratic principles, eventually leading to the 2008 declaration of a federal democratic republic.
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Despite these historic milestones, successive generations of political leaders have struggled to meet the expectations of the citizenry. Corruption, bureaucratic inertia and disregard for public voices have often alienated the population, particularly the youth. For Generation Z, democracy is not a symbolic achievement but a living system that must deliver fairness, opportunity and accountability. Recent protests illustrate the clash between generational aspirations and entrenched political structures. Public offices, administrative buildings and cultural heritage sites were damaged and the tragic loss of young lives left a deep scar on the nation. Amid this chaos, the Nepali Army intervened to prevent further anarchy, assuming full control of security operations on Tuesday. As dialogue opens between the state and Gen Z representatives, the challenge is to channel public energy into constructive reform without compromising the core principles of democracy. Any concession that undermines representation, accountability or the rule of law risks repeating the historical cycles of unrest that Nepal has endured since the overthrow of the Rana regime. The path forward lies in embracing progressive democracy. This model builds on Nepal’s democratic legacy while addressing contemporary challenges. It emphasizes inclusive participation, transparency in governance and innovation in policymaking. Progressive democracy ensures that citizens—especially youth—can actively shape the country’s direction and hold leaders accountable.
Nepal’s history demonstrates that ignoring citizen voices or relying on top-down governance produces instability. The current protests are not merely reactions to immediate grievances; they are a generational demand for a governance system that works for the people. Preserving democratic institutions while integrating youth-led reforms is essential for sustainable peace and progress. Gen Z advocates also must try to find a solution through the existing constitution instead of pushing the country towards a constitutional vacuum. The stakes could not be higher. The country must balance the aspirations of a reform-minded generation with the integrity of democratic institutions. Gen Z represents a voice for accountability, innovation and ethical governance. By advocating for progressive democracy, they offer a vision where change does not come at the expense of stability but reinforces the very foundations of a democratic Nepal. As talks continue, restraint, unity and a commitment to democratic values are imperative. Nepal now has an opportunity to rise from the ashes of recent turmoil and build a stronger, more inclusive democracy—one that reflects the ideals fought for by generations past while embracing the aspirations of the generation that will lead the nation into the future.
