Nepal’s 2022 elections were not just another democratic ritual, but a political earthquake with youth at its epicentre. The event marked the culmination of years of frustration with the new generation, which found expression in the “No, Not Again” campaign, which targeted the entrenched political elite that had been in power for decades. The result was a stunning success for independent candidates such as Balendra (Balen) Shah, who was elected mayor of Kathmandu, and for new political forces such as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). These victories were a direct reflection of the discontent of the youth and their determination to take the country's future into their own hands.
Nepal is at a critical juncture in its development, driven by its large youth generation. Armed with digital technology and a deep sense of disillusionment with the existing system, this demographic is no longer content to be left behind. Young Nepalis are actively reshaping the country’s political landscape, challenging the very foundations of the post-2006 democratic dispensation and initiating a national debate about Nepal’s future. This article examines the demographics, the evolution of activism from street protests to digital campaigns, the pivotal significance of the 2022 elections, and the deep frustrations and systemic barriers that young people face, shaping the nation’s dynamic and uncertain future.
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By Alpha Business MediaNepal’s 2022 elections were not just another democratic ritual, but a political earthquake with youth at its epicentre. The event marked the culmination of years of frustration with the new generation, which found expression in the “No, Not Again” campaign, which targeted the entrenched political elite that had been in power for decades. The result was a stunning success for independent candidates such as Balendra (Balen) Shah, who was elected mayor of Kathmandu, and for new political forces such as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). These victories were a direct reflection of the discontent of the youth and their determination to take the country's future into their own hands.
Nepal is at a critical juncture in its development, driven by its large youth generation. Armed with digital technology and a deep sense of disillusionment with the existing system, this demographic is no longer content to be left behind. Young Nepalis are actively reshaping the country’s political landscape, challenging the very foundations of the post-2006 democratic dispensation and initiating a national debate about Nepal’s future. This article examines the demographics, the evolution of activism from street protests to digital campaigns, the pivotal significance of the 2022 elections, and the deep frustrations and systemic barriers that young people face, shaping the nation’s dynamic and uncertain future.