Gen Z: A Decisive Force

The Gen Z movement of September 8 and 9, 2025, came as a shock as well as a breakthrough in Nepal, though it was predicted earlier. According to political analysts and intellectuals, this movement has brought a groundbreaking and unimagined shift in the form of governance. The supremacy of the traditional political parties in governance and party politics came to an end. 

Gen Z has emerged as a major force for change around the globe over the past few years, and Nepal could not remain untouched by it. Gen Z seems to be an insurmountable force when they get going, and they have the advantage of strength in numbers, particularly in South Asia. 

Before commenting and passing nasty remarks about them and their impact on politics in the coming future, first of all, it is urgent and necessary to qualify who they are and what they are vying for.

Gen Z is the generation that was born between 1997 and 2012. They are in the age bracket of 13 to 27 years. Their numbers as a percentage of the population are substantial in the South Asian region, accounting for approximately 25-30 per cent of the population. This force has appeared as an agent of change in many countries. 

But the respective government has not reckoned with its power and potentialities. In the case of Nepal, the government turned a deaf ear to its genuine demand for good governance and corruption control. In reaction, they came onto the street in large numbers to overthrow the government. 

Gen Z is very comfortable in the digital world and has been classified as prone to heavy use of social media, viral campaigns, live streaming, and so on. They are uncomfortable and uncompromising with the traditional and old political party structure and are more likely to mobilise around issues such as corruption, partiality, unemployment, governance, media policy, nationality, and sovereignty. 

Some of them are idealists, would-be leaders, concerned with fairness, meritocracy, and transparency. However, they are frustrated with the way of politics, inequality, nepotism, and elite capture. They are rightfully frustrated with the old guard and are always willing to see them step down from the government.

These and many other related circumstances galvanised them to engage, unite quickly online, and pour onto the street with remarkable impact. On the days of September 8 and 9, a large number of youngsters' protests erupted in reaction to the ban on social media imposed by the government. The young generation saw it as unfair and unconstitutional. 

The uncontrolled masses resorted to vandalism, setting public and private property ablaze, which claimed the lives of dozens of people. Gen Z organised quickly through videos and online platforms, leading to massive protests, ultimately changing the trajectory of Nepali politics as well as the political landscape for the better. Gen Z is likely to become a decisive force in the coming elections.