By Digital Spartans 
Months after a deadly uprising shook Nepal, a new kind of movement has emerged — one driven not by protest lines but by voter registration queues and young candidates preparing to enter the political arena. The same generation that sparked nationwide demonstrations is now stepping forward to reshape Nepal’s future from within the system.
Among them is 25-year-old law graduate Kishori Karki, who will be casting her first vote in the March 2026 elections. She has also applied to register a new political party, reflecting a growing push from young Nepalis to replace long-dominant, aging leaders with fresh voices and new ideas.
Karki became a recognizable face during the September 8–9 protests, when footage of her rushing an injured demonstrator to the hospital on a motorbike went viral. The unrest — fueled initially by a short-lived ban on social media — escalated due to years of frustration over corruption, lack of opportunity and economic stagnation.
The protests, led largely by Gen Z activists, resulted in the deaths of 76 people, widespread destruction of public offices and the ouster of four-time prime minister KP Sharma Oli. The movement then used Discord to nominate retired chief justice Sushila Karki, 73, as interim leader. Days later, she was officially appointed to govern until the March 5, 2026 elections.
Young activists say the next step is ensuring their movement translates into long-term political change. “If the generation that led the protest does not participate in the election, how will the movement be institutionalised?” said 25-year-old Uparjun Chamling, who also plans to run for office.
Voter enthusiasm has surged across Nepal. Nearly 675,000 new voters have registered so far, with half using a new online system that has been especially welcomed by young citizens eager for more accessible political engagement.
Students like 26-year-old Sabita Biswokarma say the protest awakened their interest in politics. “The online registration was encouraging,” she said. “To some extent, Gen Z demands are being heard.”
At the Election Commission, 123 parties have registered, with 32 new parties under review ahead of the November 26 deadline. Many Gen Z activists are urging others to register to vote, though most prominent youth leaders have yet to formally join or launch their own political parties.
Journalist Kaushal Kafle noted that while new parties are emerging, many young leaders remain cautious. Instead of immediately forming political organizations, some are choosing to support candidates aligned with their movement’s goals. “Their focus is to build a national network,” he explained, “and support candidates who embody the protest’s spirit.”
Nepal’s road to the 2026 elections remains uncertain, shaped by deep distrust of traditional parties and an unstable political climate. Yet the momentum of young voters and aspiring candidates signals a transformative shift.
“I was never interested in politics before,” said 40-year-old first-time voter Sunita Tamang. “But after the recent change, I felt I must use my voting rights to help choose better leadership.”
A new political landscape is taking shape — one driven by young Nepalis determined to turn protest energy into lasting reform.