Civil Society's Role

Civil society is an important player in a democratic system. When the political leadership falters, the civil society members come to the scene to bring the derailed politics back on track. The robust civic engagement nurtures democracy, while educating the people about polity, governance and socio-economic currents that impact them. Recognising the significant role of civil society, Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Monday interacted with its members as the nation braces for new general elections slated for March 5, 2026. Following the Gen Z movement, the country is grappling with a new political crisis and upcoming polls are seen as the only means to overcome it. 

The government has requested the political parties to register with the Election Commission by 27 November but some parties, such as PN-UML, have stood against the elections. At this critical juncture, the civil society members, grassroots leaders, intellectuals, youth associations, professional networks, and community organisations should play their role in reminding the parties of their commitment to democratic values and norms. A disengaged civil society risks handing politics back to the same forces responsible for the chronic instability. The persistent constitutional vacuum since the last elections has only deepened public scepticism. It is natural for Prime Minister Karki to seek cooperation from civil society to restore stability through the elections. 

During her meeting, PM Karki highlighted three major challenges - constitutional contention, administrative preparedness, and youth discontent – on the way of successful elections. The first two issues can be solved via a bureaucratic mechanism. The third one is the most sensitive and consequential. The Gen Z demographic, who have been through many turbulences including the 2006 people’s movement, the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, are increasingly vocal in their criticism of conventional politics for its failure to maintain good governance and ensure democratic order. 

Their frustration stems from unemployment, economic slump, and broken promises. This generation needs to feel included in democratic participation for positive outcomes, which will echo far beyond the next election. The government is stepping in the right direction by introducing structural reforms through electoral ordinances. But, there is a huge risk if the reform is not genuine and fails to address the concerns of the affected. Youth participation is the key to promoting inclusion, recognition and opportunity for all. Civil society has the capacity to speak the language the young people understand, to address their grievances, and to contextualise democracy not as a distant constitutional ideal but as a system that affects their daily lives.

The Prime Minister has also pointed out the risk of electoral violence and hate speech. Nepal’s polarised climate, amplified by social media, makes it fertile ground for divisive rhetoric. The government’s measures of hot-spot mapping and enhanced intelligence mobilisation are welcome. Yet, deterrent measures alone cannot change the political culture. Civil society can promote value-based discourse and counter hatred not through coercion, but through education, awareness and moral authority. Prime Minister Karki has rightly referred to civil society as a third force.  

At a time when political parties prioritise short-term victory over long-term national interest, civil society remains the only actor capable of restoring trust, renewing civic responsibility and safeguarding democratic continuity. The future of Nepal’s democracy will not be decided by politicians alone. It will be determined by whether the nation’s civic institutions choose to remain observers or assume the active responsibility history now demands of them. The upcoming elections offer an opportunity that cannot be missed. Civil society must not run away from this moral obligation.