On the 5th of this month, Nepal conducted its lower house elections, a significant event following the collapse of the previous government attributed to demonstrations by Generation Z youth. The newly formed Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which has garnered considerable support from young voters, is currently in competition for seats against the country’s traditional major parties that have formed coalition governments in the past. This election represents a crucial shift in the political landscape, driven by the desire for change among the youth, who are actively looking to move away from established political frameworks.

At polling stations across the capital, Kathmandu, and other areas, long lines formed as citizens eagerly cast their votes. One of the prominent candidates representing the RSP is Barendra Shah, a former mayor of Kathmandu and a rapper himself, who is viewed as a strong contender for the premiership. He is competing in a constituency where the ousted former Prime Minister Oli contested. Young voters, such as Bichar Dahal, expressed their motivations for participating in the election, emphasizing their need for political reform and the eradication of corruption, influenced by the sacrifices made during the protests where many of their peers lost their lives.

This election is not only about choosing representatives but also symbolizes a broader challenge to the status quo in Nepalese politics. The strong turnout and the rise of the RSP signal a potential transformation in governance, driven by a younger demographic that is increasingly dissatisfied with traditional political dynamics. As the results unfold, all eyes will be on whether the voices of the younger generation will lead to meaningful changes in Nepal’s political future.