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Nepal’s Gen Z Movement Forces Political Upheaval and a Remarkable Cleanup

Nepal is in the midst of a historic youth-driven transformation. A sweeping social-media ban, years of political gridlock, and entrenched corruption ignited a Gen Z–led protest movement that toppled the government, briefly paralyzed Kathmandu, and even selected an interim prime minister in an unprecedented way.


Why the Protests Began


For years, young Nepalis have voiced frustration over unemployment, persistent corruption, and a political class seen as unresponsive to ordinary citizens. That anger turned to outrage in early September 2025 when security forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in Kathmandu and Pokhara, killing several and injuring dozens. The violence occurred just days after the outgoing government abruptly announced a nationwide suspension of 26 major social-media platforms, ostensibly to curb misinformation, a move widely viewed as a direct attack on free speech and the organizing tools activists depend on.


Those killings became the tipping point. University students, gig-economy workers, and recent graduates quickly mobilized through VPNs and encrypted apps, calling for mass demonstrations across the country. Their demands included the immediate restoration of social media, accountability for the shootings, a firm timeline for new elections, and the prosecution of senior officials accused of graft.


The Protests on the Ground


Crowds swelled into the tens of thousands within days. Marchers filled Durbar Marg and Ring Road carrying hand-painted signs, chanting against censorship, and livestreaming whenever internet access allowed. Sit-ins blocked government offices; overnight vigils occupied key intersections.


Despite sporadic clashes with police, tear gas and water cannons were deployed on September 7 and 8. The majority of demonstrations remained organized and disciplined. Volunteers directed traffic, distributed water, and coordinated first-aid tents. Local shopkeepers provided food and shelter to protesters, while neighborhood committees formed to keep marches peaceful.


The scale and coordination stunned observers. Reuters described it as “the largest civic mobilization in Nepal since the 2006 pro-democracy movement,” noting that many participants were teenagers and first-time activists.


Gen Z protesters in Kathmandu hold flags as they march through the streets during the nationwide demonstrations. Photo by Rishika Aradhya
Gen Z protesters in Kathmandu hold flags as they march through the streets during the nationwide demonstrations. Photo by Rishika Aradhya

Discord Democracy: Choosing a Prime Minister Online


The pressure worked. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025, after key coalition partners defected. With parliament dissolved and no consensus candidate, the youth organizers turned to Discord, a platform more associated with gaming than governance.


In a public channel called Youth Against Corruption, thousands debated potential interim leaders and conducted live polls. After multiple rounds, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki emerged as the preferred choice. Her selection was later formalized by President Ram Chandra Poudel and endorsed by military leadership, making Karki Nepal’s first female prime minister on September 12. She pledged to restore full internet access and hold new elections on March 5, 2026.


Cleaning Up After the Uprising


Even before Karki’s swearing-in, the same Gen Z networks that organized the protests coordinated large-scale cleanups. Volunteers swept streets, repainted walls, and repaired damaged sidewalks around government buildings.


In a striking act of civic responsibility, protesters urged anyone who had looted during the unrest to return stolen goods. Drop-off centers collected everything from electronics to household appliances, and shop owners reported receiving unexpected deliveries from anonymous youths.


A Generation’s Demands


Nepal’s youth are signaling a shift away from party politics toward principles: accountability, transparency, and open access to information. Whether these ideals translate into lasting reform will depend on the interim government’s ability to investigate corruption and ensure a free, competitive election next spring.


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