KATHMANDU, Dec 20: The interim government led by Sushila Karki, formed on the strength of the Gen-Z movement, completes 100 days on Saturday. During the Gen-Z-led protests against rampant corruption, the extravagant lifestyles of politicians’ children, and the social media ban, 76 people lost their lives, while the state reportedly suffered losses amounting to Rs 85 billion.
After the movement turned violent on September 9, several government and private structures, including Singha Durbar, were torched and vandalized. Homes of major political party leaders were also attacked, with incidents of arson and destruction.
Ending corruption, ensuring good governance, and promoting transparency were the core demands of the Gen-Z movement. However, even after 100 days, the government seems to remain unclear about what mechanisms will be used and how anti-corruption action will be carried out. Gen-Z leaders, too, have yet to present a clear position or roadmap. Although the movement raised demands for reforming the governance system and the electoral process, these demands are no longer being voiced forcefully.
With the House of Representatives (HoR) dissolved, no interim constitution envisioned, and new parliamentary elections announced within six months, issues such as anti-corruption investigations, accountability, and changes to the governance system have not been addressed. Republicanism, multiparty democracy, federalism, inclusiveness, secularism, social justice, and socialism-oriented principles remain the core foundations of the Constitution.
Desperate search for missing girls as nearly 80 dead in Texas f...
There has been no visible opposition from Gen-Z to these principles, nor has the movement shown any intention to overhaul the constitutional framework or governance system. The Gen-Z movement led to the fall of the KP Sharma Oli-led government and the formation of a new government under Karki’s leadership. Some top political leaders went into hiding for a time. Even now, relations between the government and political parties remain strained.
However, the Karki-led government is moving ahead with preparations to hold elections for the HoR on March 5 and to hand over power to an elected government. The government has intensified election preparations, including drafting security plans, establishing election cells within security agencies, and organizing regional security coordination meetings. On the occasion of completing 100 days in office, Prime Minister Karki is scheduled to address the nation on Saturday, outlining election preparations and other key initiatives.
The government has said that most of the 1,342 weapons looted during the Gen-Z movement have been recovered. Of the 465 police offices damaged during the unrest, all have been brought back into operation.
For election purposes, the government has already ensured a budget of Rs 6.73 billion for the Election Commission (EC). It has also stated that 837,000 new youths have been added to the voter roll even after the election date was announced. During her address, Prime Minister Karki is expected to urge political parties and all stakeholders to cooperate to ensure a successful election.
According to sources, Karki believes elections are not about winning or losing but about strengthening democracy and good governance, and that elections remain the legitimate path to fulfilling the public’s demand for a corruption-free society and accountable governance. She is also expected to call on Gen-Z youths to express their anger and aspirations through the ballot.
Government’s achievements
The government claims it has taken steps to break collusive practices in public procurement, curb misuse of state resources, and act against contractors who secure tenders but fail to carry out development works. It also cites achievements such as controlling unnecessary expenditures, strengthening fiscal discipline, cutting unauthorized and unjustified benefits enjoyed by individuals both in office and after retirement, and recalling 500 security personnel and vehicles deployed in violation of norms to redeploy them for public service.
Additionally, the government says it has abolished 38 unnecessary offices, cut 323 staff positions to reduce state expenditure, reprioritized a budget of Rs 119 billion toward major development projects, and implemented an “Integrated Business Revival Plan” for struggling entrepreneurs.
The government has also highlighted addressing more than 50,000 public complaints through the ‘Hello Government’ platform, ensuring the daily supply of 200 million liters of Melamchi water to Kathmandu, and adding 101 megawatts of electricity to the national grid. It says prioritizing good governance and elections in line with the spirit of the Gen-Z movement is itself a key achievement.
Election-related ordinance issued
Meanwhile, President Ramchandra Paudel has issued an election-related ordinance. Acting under Article 114(1) of the Constitution, the President promulgated the House of Representatives Member Election (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2082 BS on Friday evening, following a recommendation from the government. The Cabinet had decided on Thursday to recommend the issuance of the ordinance.
