Gen Z Set New Course

The Gen Z groups that toppled the government led by CPN-UML chairman KP Sharma Oli through their street demonstrations on September 9 have finally come together to materialise the achievements of the movement. The peaceful demonstrations started by youth in Kathmandu and elsewhere on September 8, demanding good governance, corruption control, and lifting the ban imposed on social media, turned violent on September 9 after the government used force, killing 19, mostly young students, culminating in the fall of the government and inviting a chaotic situation in the country. 

Everyone knows how volatile the situation was for three days after KP Oli fled Baluwatar by an army helicopter on September 9 till the appointment of Shusila Karki as the interim prime minister on September 12. It became even more confusing when several Gen Z groups surfaced, each claiming to be authentic. This division among the Gen Z only encouraged the forces ousted by the September 8 and 9 movements to be united and speak against the movement and the interim government, giving rise to several conspiracy theories. Until the other day, Gen Z were being criticized for not uniting even after the successful movement. 

But with several Gen Z groups coming together with a draft agreement to be inked by their representatives and the state the other day, they have sent not only a positive message that they are committed to safeguarding the achievements of the September 8-9 movement, but also made the people optimistic about the future of Nepal. The 11-point draft agreement submitted to Prime Minister Karki has incorporated almost all the issues that should be addressed by the state to realise the objectives of the movement. 

Above all, the Gen Z groups have committed to keeping intact key provisions of a competitive multi-party system -- federalism, republicanism, independent judiciary, a proportional, inclusive, and participatory system, periodic elections, human rights, and fundamental rights, among others, enshrined in Nepal's constitution. However, they have proposed a powerful and independent Constitution Amendment Committee to make timely amendments and implement them effectively. What they have said about the constitution has made it clear that they want reforms in the existing political system, ending all speculations and making all conspiracy theories cultivated over the days baseless.

The Gen Z have also sought amendments to the Election Law by limiting the age of election candidates between 21 and 70 years. Likewise, to ensure good governance, control corruption, and check the appointment of relatives and associates to key government positions, they have proposed amendments to various laws and reforms in public administration. 

Declaration of martyrs to those killed during the Zen G movement, compensation to their families and those injured, punishment to those government officials who turned the peaceful movement of September 8 violent by killing youths, and those individuals involved in criminal activities during the movement, and reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure are other demands. The Gen Z groups have honestly stated that they fully support the present government formed under Sushila Karki and hope that the President will implement the agreement as per the spirit of the Gen Z movement.     

Although late, the Gen Z have made their political and other goals clear 67 days after their crucial movement. Once the state and Gen Z sign the document, it will be another important political document for the Nepali people. Like the Comprehensive Peace Accord signed between the government and the then-rebel Maoists ended the decade-long conflict in November 2006 and restored peace in Nepal, the draft agreement proposed by Gen Z, if signed and implemented, could be the beginning of the journey of a prosperous Nepal, free from the anomalies of any kind, as envisioned by them.