PM Defends Gen Z Revolt

Nepal is now on the cusp of a new democratic evolution. This transformation is taking place on the back of ballots. Elections to the House of Representatives are being held to institutionalise the achievements of the Gen Z movement that sought to eradicate corruption, establish good governance, create employment and ensure effective service delivery on March 5. The Sushila Karki-led interim government, formed based on the mandate of the Gen Z revolt, has shouldered the historic responsibility of consolidating its gains and handing power to the elected government. For this, it is putting its best foot forward to conduct the elections in a free, fair and fearless atmosphere, so that citizens can exercise their voting rights and choose their representatives without any iota of fear.

On Monday, Prime Minister Karki, while addressing a National Assembly meeting, offered the background, perspective and the mission of her government constituted at a critical juncture. She clarified that she recommended President Ramchandra Paudel to dissolve the House of Representatives and announce fresh elections with a view to taking the country onto a constitutional track, preventing the escalation of further conflict and damage to lives and property, thereby normalising the situation. She said she was appointed as Prime Minister to give a logical outlet to the unprecedented crisis triggered by the Gen Z uprising. She said that she did not become the Prime Minister with an ambition to rule and a desire for a post, adding that the present government was eager to transfer power to the elected one by conducting the elections within the stipulated timeframe.

Some political leaders have attempted to vilify the Gen Z movement, citing the destruction of public and private buildings. They have kept mum about the misrule and malfeasance of the previous governments. Moreover, the Gen Z youths have articulated the voice of the common people fed up with the major political parties that often failed to keep their word. Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Karki has strongly defended the Gen Z movement and its objectives. She noted that the Gen Z revolt reflected the indifference of rulers towards the youth aspirations, widespread corruption and consciousness against the lack of sensitivity in the conduct of the affairs of the state. This revolt was a mirror in which we are seeing governance failures and behavioural weaknesses, she said, adding that the government has started rebuilding the broken institutions and sowing the seed of new hope. 

There is no doubt that the Gen Z movement was born as a result of shortcomings in the field of governance, prosperity and development, and resentment, scarcity or neglect that arose from them. Today's youths, who are well aware of miraculous development in information technology, aspire to equal access to the state's means, resources and opportunities  and quality life. These are not merely youths' aspirations but they constitute compulsory conditions for the economic transformation as stated by PM Karki. To address the demands of the Gen Z movement, the government and Gen Z representatives have already signed some historic agreements. 

The government is committed to curbing corruption by making the activities of public offices transparent and accountable. For this, it is preparing the Governance Blueprint based on the corruption mitigation strategic plan and technology. The interim government has mobilised the necessary resources and means and seized the weapons looted during the Gen Z movement to conduct the polls in secure environment. PM Karki has rightly said that the upcoming elections will not be merely a regular process of sending deputies to the parliament but a starting point for a new political culture.