Nepal is facing a pivotal moment after the protests on September 8-9 sent shockwaves through the nation, resulting in the tragic loss of 74 lives, including 21 young protesters. The demonstrations were loud and relentless, echoing a strong call for change. The government led by Sushila Karki emerged from this wave of unrest, but now people are looking for more than just superficial responses. The protesters who toppled the government have demanded that all corrupt leaders and bureaucrats must be brought to book. For this, the new Karki-led government needs to speed up its task in forming a commission to look into the matters related to corruption. In the meantime, the government decision to set up a probe commission regarding the deaths and destruction during Gen Z protests under the former Special Court chair is a step in the right direction. To get the ball moving, the new government has to first expand the Cabinet. Three ministers won't do to govern the nation effectively. Decisions have to be made, and the available team is thin. Appointment of effective ministers at the earliest will make the government operational and provide it with a direction.
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Meanwhile, planning for the general election has to be started as well immediately. The deadline is March 5, 2026, with no room for delay. The vital component of the election this time is upgrading the voter list, which comes first. Thousands of young people who have reached the age of 18 are eager to go out and vote for the very first time. There are numerous names missing or incomplete that can prove to be a problem later. The Election Commission needs the means and a good strategy for accomplishing this task within the deadline. Fixing the destroyed government offices, roads, and state property burned or messed up by rioters is another necessity. Those buildings were not just physical assets; they were part of the machinery of the public that keeps the country together. Swift repairs will bring about normalcy and demonstrate that the government is dead serious about giving the nation the much-needed stability. Meanwhile, compensation and assistance need to be offered to the injured protesters and the families whose loved ones were killed. Medical and psychological care, as well as economic relief, will be a blessing for those who sacrificed their lives for change. The government faces a challenging environment too. It was ushered in following a protest that was sparked by anger with the previous political elite.
Citizens are closely watching the government action and hoping for better governance this time. The pressure the current caretaker government is confronting can be a blessing if it handles it wisely and properly. By being on time and delivering what it had promised, the Karki government can generate trust. It is also important that citizens be informed about what the government is doing, as it will help reduce suspicion. The government needs to engage citizens in the democratic process. Nepal has witnessed too many instances when hope evaporated because promises were not kept. This time, this has to change for the better. Since the new government possesses strong backing from the participants of the Gen Z revolution, it has to work towards translating the mandate it received from the youths and others into result-oriented action.
