Election Fervour

Election fever has gripped Nepal as Nepalis gear up for general elections this March. As is seen in every election season, political leaders, parties and cadres gather in masses to organise election campaigns. Alliances are either formed or dissolved. The aim is to secure the most votes to run the next government. Since Nepal first became a democratic nation and then a republic, there have been multiple elections. But to the frustration of Nepalis, the same names and faces have been the representatives of the nation. Often, they are of the older generations, mired in corruption cases. 

This was one of the contentions that led to the September 2025 protests led by Gen Z, whose wrath turned a new leaf in Nepali politics. Now there are new faces and names in Nepali politics that could define this election. As such, Nepali politicians are known to cling to their position of power. Indeed, it could apply to most politicians in the world but Nepal is particularly steeped in systemic and bureaucratic corruption, ranking high in the world corruption index. Whenever election campaigns start, Nepali political leaders turn a humble face and pledge lofty goals to their citizens. 

The citizens, in turn, feel that this is just a ruse, as once the leaders gain power, they turn a deaf ear to the pleas of their voters. In a way, Nepali politicians sell dreams to the poor, marginalised and destitute. But once in power, their oblivion knows no bounds, which is a plague that has gripped Nepali politics for a long time. However, this time, citizens aren’t just aware of their rights; they are also aware of their ability to make an impact. The Gen Z revolution has shown that the tables have turned, and not in favour of the old, orthodox generation of Nepali leaders. 

As seen in the Nepali Congress party, the rift between the young and the old leaders has grown, with Gagan Thapa becoming its new president. New leaders are now at the forefront of Nepali politics. One of them is Balendra Shah, known mononymously as Balen, and if his party wins the elections, he could be the next Prime Minister. Another contesting leader is Rabi Lamichhane, who until now had been in jail for several months due to corruption charges. 

One of the discouraging things about political leaders is the impunity they assert due to their leadership clout. This is not to say that all leaders are corrupt, but that a few corrupted ones taint the entire political landscape of the nation. Nepalis within the nation and abroad are looking towards the forthcoming March election with hope and optimism: Hope that Nepal will rise above its predicaments and optimism that the new, youthful leaders will take the helm of the nation. Citizens of Nepal aren’t gullible anymore.

They are aware of the pitfalls of voting for the wrong leaders. Through global news, they have seen how nations fall at the hands of the corrupt, orthodox and immoral politicians. Now that the Gen Z revolution has shown nationwide rage over corruption and nepotism, political leaders have been warned. Hopefully, the upcoming election will be one of the most decisive ones in the history of Nepal that could shape its future for the better.