Analysts urge parties to own up mistakes and initiate reforms

By Pallav Bhusal,Kathmandu, Sept. 21: In the wake of the mass Gen-Z initiated movement that has shaken Nepal’s political foundations, a wave of introspection has swept through the country's traditional political parties. The question now is whether the country’s political institutions can adapt to the demands of a disillusioned younger generation or will they continue down the same old path of stagnation.

Chandra Dev. Bhatta, a political analyst, argues that the traditional political parties must undergo a radical transformation. "Politics has changed now, and political parties cannot or should not function in the same manner as before," he said, highlighting the urgency of reform. He insists that parties need to overhaul both their internal and external structures, with a particular focus on incorporating the younger generation into their fold. Bhatta asserts that the main point is party reform. 

His words reflect the underlying frustration that has been building for years among the youth, frustration over a political establishment that has failed to keep pace with modern trends and the evolving expectations of the public.

In Bhatta’s view, the traditional political parties, which once thrived on the loyalty of their cadres, have lost sight of their broader constituency. "The political parties only worked for their cadres. They lost focus on the general public," he said. 

This narrow focus, according to Bhatta, is no longer viable in today’s political environment. Political parties, which are inherently public institutions, must begin to operate with an understanding of their responsibility to the wider society, not just their core supporters. "Political parties should no longer work as private institutions. They need to function as true public institutions with a democratic structure that engages with all sections of society," he added.

In an era dominated by digital technology and rapid social change, the old ways of thinking simply do not work anymore, Bhatta notes. "The political parties became too traditional in their thoughts and ideologies. They were established many years ago and could not keep up with the modern trends," he said. 

As the country transitions into a more interconnected, globalised world, traditional political ideologies and policies have proven to be an ineffective tool for engaging with the public. Bhatta stressed that the political parties needed new policies, adding that it is essential for these parties to reinvent themselves to meet the expectations of the modern electorate. "In these modern, digital times, political parties should move forward in a way that reflects the demands and needs of the society they aim to serve," he added.

This need for reinvention is echoed by another political analyst Mumaram Khanal, who argues that Nepal’s political parties must confront their leadership crisis head-on. "The political parties should consider changing their leadership and handing it over to the younger generation as soon as possible," said Khanal. "It should have been done before, but it never happened," he added.

Khanal’s warning speaks to the growing impatience of the Nepali populace, which has witnessed years of power struggles, entrenched corruption, and a lack of accountability. 

The leadership of the traditional parties, he suggests, has become disconnected from the people they purport to represent, and their failure to make way for new leadership has only worsened the crisis.

Furthermore, Khanal calls for the restructuring of the sister organisations of these political parties, an area often overlooked in discussions of reform. "The restructuring of all the parties' sister organisations is crucial," he said. These organisations, which include youth wings, trade unions, and other affiliate groups, have long been used as tools for party mobilisation. However, their role in Nepal’s contemporary political landscape must be reassessed to ensure they reflect the values of transparency, inclusivity, and accountability.

Khanal’s prescription for political purification goes beyond structural changes. He believes the political parties must offer a genuine apology to the Nepali people for their past failures and abuse of authority. "They should apologise to the public and commit that the parties will no longer be used for state abuse, but rather work for the public," said Khanal. 

This, he believes, is a crucial step in rebuilding trust with the electorate and ensuring that the political parties do not lose their relevance in the coming years. "If they do not do this, the relevancy of the major political parties in Nepal is in question," he warns. 

Both Bhatta and Khanal agree that the failure to engage with the younger generation, particularly the Gen-Z, who were at the forefront of the recent upheavals has been a major catalyst for the current crisis. As Bhatta explains, the traditional parties have not been able to meet the expectations of this new generation, which is not only politically conscious but also more tech-savvy and globally aware. "The traditional parties could not meet the expectations of the Gen-Z population, leading to the revolt," said Bhatta, acknowledging the central role that this generation’s disillusionment has played in bringing the political system to its knees.

Similarly, political commentator Dr. Narad Bharadwaj urged for stronger internal democratisation within Nepal’s major political parties. He noted that while the current constitution was established through a democratic process, ensuring the rights of all citizens to participate in upcoming elections, internal party structures had not evolved in that spirit.

Dr. Bharadwaj acknowledged that traditional parties still hold considerable relevance, pointing out that together they represent millions of cadres and members. However, he stressed that greater transparency is imperative within these parties. "Too often, opportunities have been given to individuals favoured by party leadership, rather than through a fair and meritorious process," he said. 

He argued that now is the time for parties to reflect, reform, and operate according to genuine democratic procedures. "Political parties must work for the people, and especially for the youth," he said, calling for more space and opportunities for capable individuals within party structures.

"We cannot imagine a democratic system without political parties and proper representation. The essence of democracy lies in free and fair competition, and it is ultimately the public who must choose their leaders,” said Bharadwaj.

The youth-led protests, which erupted over frustrations with systemic corruption, nepotism, and the lack of economic opportunity, have left a permanent mark on Nepal's political landscape. The protestors’ demands have centred on transparency, accountability, and a more inclusive political system, values that Bhatta and Khanal argue should become the cornerstone of any serious political reform in Nepal.

However, for all their criticism of the current political establishment, both experts also recognise the difficult road ahead for Nepal's political parties. While the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Centre) have all expressed a willingness to reform and engage in dialogue, their actions will ultimately speak louder than their words. The traditional parties, for all their public self-reflection, are yet to propose a concrete and unified path forward that genuinely addresses the demands of the public. The real test will be whether they can go beyond mere rhetoric and demonstrate a credible commitment to reform.

The public have been left with a fractured political landscape, and while Nepal’s traditional parties have the experience and infrastructure to bring about change, their credibility is being questioned. As Bhatta and Khanal stress, the future of Nepal’s political institutions depends on their ability to adapt, listen to the demands of the younger generation, and reinvent themselves in a way that reflects the realities of a rapidly changing world.

For Nepali political parties, whether they can rise to the challenge or will be further sidelined by the very generation they once saw as their future remains to be seen. The experts have noted that reform, reinvention, and a willingness to confront past failures are no longer optional, they are essential for survival.