Nepal Moves Towards Elections After Deadly Gen Z Protests
Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel shared some hopeful news on Saturday. He announced that the country will hold elections to the House of Representatives within the next six months, aiming for March 5. This comes after intense Gen Z protests that shook the nation, leaving 51 people dead and over 1,300 injured.
The protests erupted on September 8, sparked by the government’s ban on major social media platforms. Young demonstrators in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj demanded an end to corruption, political stagnation, and economic woes. The chaos led to thousands of prisoners escaping, and even former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had to resign. Nepal police reported that 30 deaths came from gunshots, while 21 resulted from burns, wounds, and other injuries. Tragically, the victims included one Indian national and three police officers.
At Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Maharajgunj, at least 36 bodies awaited post-mortem exams, with many now released to families after autopsies wrapped up. Nepal’s Health Ministry confirmed the grim toll, highlighting the scale of the youth-led demonstrations.
But things are looking up. After days of violence, Nepal lifted the nationwide curfew on Saturday, just a day after Sushila Karki took oath as the interim Prime Minister. She’s the first woman to lead Nepal in this role—a big win for women empowerment. With restrictions gone, public transport kicked back into gear, and long-distance buses from Kathmandu started rolling out again, bringing a sense of normalcy.
President Paudel urged everyone to cooperate for a peaceful election process. In his statement, he said the tough struggle has preserved Nepal’s constitution, parliamentary system, and federal democratic republic. "This gives our people a chance to build a stronger democracy," he noted, calling on all parties to seize the moment and make the March 5 polls a success.
Meanwhile, Nepali citizens showed their unity in grief. On Saturday evening, crowds gathered outside the iconic Bouddhanath Stupa for a candlelight march. Students, monks, activists, and locals lit candles and observed silence to honor those lost in the anti-corruption protests.
Adding to the developments, Nepali Congress MP Abhishek Pratap Shah filed an FIR against ex-PM Oli at New Baneshwor Police station, through Kapilvastu Chief District Officer Dilkumar Tamang. The charges stem from the social media ban and corruption allegations that fueled the unrest.
Interim PM Sushila Karki visited the civil hospital on Saturday to meet injured Gen Z protesters. Her convoy drew a big crowd of journalists and supporters, showing the public’s keen interest in her leadership.
From across the border, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm congratulations to Karki. Speaking in Imphal, he called Nepal a close friend of India and expressed confidence in her ability to guide the country toward peace, stability, and prosperity. "Sushila ji’s oath as Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister sets a shining example of women empowerment," Modi said.
PM Modi also praised Nepal’s youth for upholding democratic values amid the turmoil. He highlighted their efforts to clean and paint roads after the protests, sharing how he’s seen inspiring photos on social media. "Their positive actions signal Nepal’s new rise. I wish Nepal the very best for a bright future," he added, commending the Gen Z generation for restoring calm.
As Nepal heals from the Gen Z protests and gears up for elections, the focus remains on unity and progress. With Karki at the helm, the nation hopes to overcome corruption and build a more stable tomorrow.
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