A New Political Dawn: Nepal's Youth Seize the Reins Ahead of Landmark Election

OKHALDHUNGA, Nepal — In the foothills of the Himalayas, 25-year-old Kishori Karki is doing something that symbolizes both tradition and rupture in Nepali politics: seeking blessings from community elders. But the young law graduate is not just observing custom; she is preparing to challenge it, as one of hundreds of young candidates contesting Nepal's pivotal March 5 parliamentary elections.

"Our demands and aspirations should not be sidelined any longer," Karki told AFP in her hometown, outlining a platform centered on fighting systemic corruption and elevating youth issues. Her candidacy was forged in the crucible of last September's deadly, youth-led protests, which saw her ferry an injured demonstrator to hospital on a motorbike—an image that came to define a movement.

What began as anger over a government social media ban quickly exposed deeper fissures: years of economic stagnation, chronic power shortages, and a political class seen as out of touch. The violent unrest left 77 dead and hundreds of buildings torched, but it also ignited a political awakening. "After the Gen Z movement, if educated youth like us stand back, then the same old parties will play the same game," Karki explained.

She is running with the newly formed Ujyalo Nepal Party, led by former minister Kulman Ghising, who gained fame for tackling power cuts. Her campaign is part of a nationwide phenomenon. According to election commission data, 30% of the 3,406 candidates registered for direct elections are under 40. "If you look at the candidates, the bigger portion are the new generation," said commission spokesperson Prakash Nyaupane, noting that some older leaders have "had to step back."

The fresh faces are diverse. In Kathmandu, rapper-turned-mayor Balen Shah, now a prime ministerial hopeful with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), will challenge former premier KP Sharma Oli. Sudan Gurung, 38, a key figure in the September protests, is running for the RSP in Gorkha. In Rukum, 28-year-old Sandeep Pun is taking on former Maoist rebel leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, known as Prachanda.

This surge follows over a decade of post-civil war politics marked by a revolving door of ageing premiers and perceived horse-trading among three dominant parties. "It is very difficult for us to again be fooled by promises from the people who have already been in parliament so many times," said Manjil Rana, 37, another Ujyalo Nepal candidate.

With 18.9 million eligible voters—including over 800,000 first-timers—the stakes are high. Sachin Timalsena, 33, of the Nepali Congress, described the moment as a "critical juncture" that could "bring the country back on track."

Journalist Pranaya Rana, who covers regional politics, observed, "The September protest has galvanized young people to take part in politics, and not just as candidates."

Voices from the Public:

• Anita Thapa, 28, Graduate Student in Kathmandu: "Finally! We've watched the same faces swap chairs for years while nothing improves. These young candidates aren't just talking about change; they lived the frustration that sparked the protests. My generation is ready to hold them accountable."
• Rajesh Bhattarai, 52, School Teacher in Pokhara: "There's energy, yes, but governing requires experience. I hope these new parties and young leaders have concrete plans, not just passion. The optimism is refreshing, but Nepal's problems are complex."
• Dev Kumar, 45, Business Owner in Chitwan: "It's a desperate gamble. The old guard failed us utterly—corruption is a cancer. Let the youth try. What do we have to lose? Their anger is our anger. This might be the reset we've needed since the war ended."
• Priya Shrestha, 31, NGO Worker in Lalitpur: "I'm cynical but hopeful. Many are independent or in new parties, free from old machinery. But will they resist the lure of power once inside? The protest energy must translate into policy, not just symbolism."