Nepal’s Gen Z group to form party, wants voting rights for citizens abroad

Kathmandu, October 18

Nepal's Gen Z group on Saturday announced that it would establish a political party, but said its participation in next year's general election depended on the fulfilment of certain "bottom-line" conditions.

Elections in the Himalayan nation are slated to take place on March 5, 2026.

The youth-led group led protests against corruption and a government ban on social media sites last month, resulting in the ouster of the K P Sharma Oli-led government. Led by Miraj Dhungana, one of the leaders of the recent Gen Z movement, the group unveiled its agenda in a press conference here. They asserted that although they were considering forming a political party to bring together the Gen-Z youths, they would not contest the election until their "bottom line" demands were addressed. The group has been primarily advocating two key agendas: a directly elected executive system and voting rights for Nepalese citizens residing abroad.

According to Dhungana, his group has decided that the formation of a political party is essential to unite the youths associated with the Gen-Z movement.

While disclosing their agenda, Dhungana underscored the formation of a citizen-led investigation committee for corruption control and the adoption of a clear policy on economic transformation. "We will continue to fight for issues like promoting good governance, transparency and checking corruption. We will not let the sacrifices of Gen-Z youths go in vain," he said, calling for collective commitment and cooperation from all sides in the nation-building task. He added they were currently collecting suggestions for an “appropriate” name for the new party.

Stating that the Himalayan nation's economic development has stagnated due to the increasing exodus of Nepali youths going abroad for employment, he said the past governments should be held responsible for addressing such pressing issues.

Talking about his group's position on economic matters, he stressed the need for boosting domestic production.

"We are surrounded by two highly populated neighbouring countries having a combined population of three billion, we need to focus our attention on increasing our production targeting the neighbouring markets," he said.

He also urged the interim government to immediately initiate the process of reopening closed industries and creating new jobs.