From the streets of Colombo to Dhaka, youth-led movements have toppled entrenched political traditions. In Nepal, Gen Z is delivering the same warning to established parties: a new generation refuses to wait, even when governments are democratically elected and legitimate. Why, then, is democracy faltering? Thanks to the timely intervention of the Nepalese Army, democracy has been preserved for now, but the deeper question remains: is democracy itself still at stake?
The Gen Z movement in Nepal may have begun with protests against the ban on social networks, but that was only the spark. Years of poor governance, leaders' incompetence, and lack of accountability have eroded trust in institutions. Failures in law enforcement, rising unemployment, mass migration, and slow public services have deepened frustration. Ignoring these problems united young people and turned their frustration into a demand for change. The younger generation blames the leadership for these failures.
The decision of Nepali Congress (NC) to align with the second-largest party and back KP Oli as prime minister demonstrated self-interest over vision. Established parties then criticized the new entrants, deepening youth frustration. It signaled that Nepal's leaders remain more committed to preserving the status quo than acknowledging their responsibility for the country's failures. While emerging forces may be inexperienced, dismissing them simply because of their youth and popularity was a grave miscalculation. Meanwhile, law enforcement became entangled in politics, serving the convenience of those in power rather than the public good. NC's reliance on parliamentary numbers was a temporary tactic, not a long-term vision.
Nepal has enjoyed democracy for decades, yet fundamental issues remain unresolved. For the youth, the message is clear: they cannot wait endlessly for promises that never materialize. This frustration was evident in the rise of new political forces such as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which gained traction in the last federal elections, particularly among younger voters. Their rise sent a powerful signal that parties sustained by patronage and inertia are now being directly challenged by a generation unwilling to accept old excuses. Yet this shift largely went unnoticed by established parties.
Opportunities existed to strengthen the judiciary, improve law enforcement, and bring competence into government and party structures. Young leaders in parties such as the RSP highlighted the electorate's demand for accountability, merit, and performance. Instead of embracing reform, the older generation responded with passivity and, in many cases, outright resistance. Their determination to preserve the status quo became an obstacle, preventing any meaningful response to this change.
The Nepali Congress (NC), a party that has repeatedly led Nepal's democratic struggles, now faces its greatest test. The responsibility to safeguard democracy rests heavily on its shoulders. Yet the unavoidable question lingers: can NC reform itself in time to meet the expectations of a politically aware generation, or will it be swept aside by the rising tide of change? If it remains a party of the people, it risks staying confined to the old regime, where power is tightly guarded. But to become a true party for the people, it must open the door to young leadership and give the next generation a genuine chance. The status quo cannot and must not be preserved.
Internally, NC faces chronic problems. Decision-making is paralyzed, and sister organizations are largely defunct, preventing new leaders from emerging. Corruption scandals, whether ignored or selectively handled, have eroded public trust. Authority remains concentrated among a few leaders of the older generation, most of whom resist transferring power to capable younger figures. This approach ignores the demands of Gen Z voters, who cannot wait five years while leaders cling to old habits. Even when its own minister, Mr. Ramesh Lekhak, resigned amid political unrest, NC's older generation continued to support Mr. Oli, missing a crucial opportunity to act decisively for both the country and the party.
Can NC reconnect with the electorate and secure its future as a guardian of Nepalese democracy? The answer lies in embracing meritocracy, transparent governance, and accountability—not as symbolic gestures but in practice. Competence and good governance must first be established within the party. In the Gen Z era, competence is no longer optional; it is demanded. The youth of NC must step forward, envision the party's future, and push for internal democracy. The choice is stark: adapt, lead with integrity, and meet the expectations of the youth, or be left behind by history. NC can only reaffirm its role in broader political renewal if it first reflects change within its own structure.
Ultimately, what NC needs is a paradigm shift in leadership, something unprecedented that signals to other parties and the public that meaningful change is possible. One immediate step could be elevating merit over seniority. While age itself is not a barrier, basing authority solely on seniority is increasingly unacceptable to young voters.
NC has many capable, popular, and knowledgeable leaders, with Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma being notable examples. Offering the party presidency to a leader who has not traditionally held such a role, while also declaring the Prime Minister candidate well in advance, could strengthen our democracy. This could also set a precedent for other parties, including the communist parties.
While I am not a seasoned politician, I believe entrusting Mr. Sharma with the party presidency would symbolize the crucial shift the party needs, showing that NC is ready to embrace the new generation. Similarly, declaring Mr. Thapa as the Prime Minister candidate would be strategically wise. Both leaders have been in the party long enough to be trusted. This would demonstrate to party members that hard work and commitment are rewarded, and that no individual or faction owns the party. If they fail, the next generation will rise, as happens in mature democracies.
This is Gen Z's wake-up call. The stakes could not be higher. If NC fails to act decisively now, other parties are unlikely to step up, and Nepal's democratic governance could be left vulnerable to forces driven by populist movements. For the Nepalese people, the time for small, incremental changes has passed. Bold and visionary leadership is now the only path forward. Can NC deliver that?
The author is Associate Professor at Tennessee State University, USA