From Protest to Power: Gen Z Mobilisation, Electoral Outcomes, and Democratic Governance in Nepal

Abstract

The 2025 Gen Z-led protests in Nepal were a pivotal moment in the nation's democratic progress, culminating in the resignation of the sitting administration and a significant shift in electoral results in the 2026 general election. This study utilises social movement theory, political process theories, and empirical information from scholarly and contemporary reporting sources to analyse the transition of youth mobilisation into electoral transformation and its implications for the future of democratic government in Nepal. The election revealed a generational shift in political engagement, governance issues stemming from institutional deficiencies and public expectations persist. The democratic progression of Nepal relies on the ability of new leadership to institutionalise participatory advancements and tackle structural limitations while managing domestic and geopolitical challenges.