Kathmandu: Thursday (October 9) marked a month since Nepal, especially the capital Kathmandu, witnessed anarchy. On September 9, a day after the youth-led protests, then Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned and fled to an army barracks following the deaths of 19 young people. The Nepali capital saw events of an unprecedented degree — the Parliament, government complex, and the Supreme Court burned till late into the night.
Since September 12, an interim Cabinet led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been in place, with the mandate of holding elections on March 5. The official death toll of the two-day protests stands at 75.
The month since the protests has been uneasy, punctuated by festival holidays and rain-induced disasters. A proposed protest plan by a youth group for October 9 stirred fresh anxiety, though it was ultimately withdrawn a day before after some groups dissociated themselves. One youth group also demanded the resignation of the chief and members of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority — Nepal’s top constitutional anti-graft agency.
These youth groups, broadly dubbed under the umbrella of Gen Z, led last month’s demonstrations, which were triggered by a social media ban and driven by anger at corruption and misrule. Now, they appear scattered and fragmented, which analysts say was inevitable given their structureless and leaderless nature.
However, campaigners argue that lacking formal leadership is not a flaw.
Raskshya Bam, who organised and participated in the protests, said the youth took to the streets with specific demands — ending corruption and rolling back the social media ban.
“But as the situation unfolded, we are where we are today,” Ms. Bam, 26, said. “Everyone must realise the spirit of the protests… reform in a nutshell. Now the interim government is there with the mandate to hold elections, and that should be the goal.”
She expressed no qualms about different groups raising various demands, calling it natural for youth to have differing voices.
Government in a bind
As anarchy descended on Kathmandu on September 9 — with overwhelmed security agencies unable to maintain law and order — the Nepal Army stepped in not only to secure the capital but also to facilitate dialogue with President Ram Chandra Poudel.
It was at Army Headquarters that youth campaigners finalised Ms. Karki’s name after she won a vote on the digital platform Discord, a virtual public square for Gen Z, where they planned their protests.
Analysts describe this interim administration as hastily stitched together, backed by Gen Z but lacking solid political ground. Within hours of her oath, Prime Minister Karki dissolved the House of Representatives.
“A lack of political nature is the biggest challenge of this government,” said Keshav Dahal, a writer and political commentator. “The government and political parties appear to hold each other in deep contempt, which is likely to spoil the environment for elections.”
Nepal’s traditional parties, consigned to the back foot after the protests, are now resurfacing.
Deposed Prime Minister Oli addressed his party members on Thursday, dismissing the current government.
“Many say we have to wait till March 5 and should demand the restoration of the House if elections do not take place,” he told them, hinting at moving the Supreme Court for reinstatement of the House. “The House dissolution is unconstitutional, illegal, and undemocratic.”
His remarks come amid political parties’ refusal to commit to the March 5 elections. Concerns mount over whether the elections will take place as scheduled — and if they do, whether they will carry legitimacy if major parties boycott.
Gen Z campaigners say it’s incumbent on everyone to work towards protecting democracy.
“The interim government needs support from all sides — citizens, civil society, intellectuals, and political parties — to conduct timely
