Nepal Election 2082: A Mixed Feeling of Curiosity, Fear, and Citizenship
Elisha Maharjan, a resident of Kathmandu’s Basantapur, used to think until a few months ago, “What difference does it make whether I vote or not?” However, her perspective changed after the ‘Gen Z Movement’ in Bhadra (August-September) this year. On Thursday, she went to her local polling center and voted for the first time. She said, “Inspired by the Gen Z movement, I felt we should also participate in voting, so I cast my ballot.” Earlier in Bhadra, young members of the new generation protested in the capital against widespread corruption and poor governance. Following these protests, which resulted in the deaths of at least 77 people, the interim government dissolved the House of Representatives and announced general elections. After expressing her opinion in this general election, Maharjan stated, “Voting for the first time, I hope for some positive changes in our lives. I also voted thinking that the country will develop further.”
According to the national census, nearly 46% of Nepal’s total population is youth. The latest census revealed that about 19.7% of the total population falls between the ages of 15 and 24. Among the approximately 19 million eligible voters in this election, nearly one million voters were first-time participants. Among those casting their first votes in Basantapur, Kathmandu, was 19-year-old student Srijal Shrestha. Explaining his reasons for voting, he said, “Many of my peers lost their lives. My feeling is that good leaders should come to politics and work. Corruption is widespread, and I came to vote hoping it would be reduced and that Nepal would develop.”
After voting at the Gyaneshwor polling center, 19-year-old Sarvashree Gartola said she was ‘nervous’ but confident she voted well the first time. She added, “This time, young people like us had to vote. We fulfilled our duty. I hope that people’s problems will be solved. I wish opportunities remain within the country and that employment is found here.”
The Election Commission has stated that those listed in the voter registry who will turn 18 by the 20th of Falgun (early March) are eligible to vote in the House of Representatives election. For some young voters, navigating quiet streets, standing in lines, passing security personnel, various symbols, and officials to reach the ballot box was a source of curiosity. 23-year-old Ronish Karmacharya from Chitwan shared, “I used to just see my parents vote. When I went for the first time, it was a bit difficult at first because I didn’t know what to do. But after watching others, it became easier.”
Pushpa Rimal from Nuwakot Constituency No. 2, Myagang, voted early in the morning. She shared her feelings of happiness and pride upon exercising her voting rights for the first time. She stated, “At first, I wondered how to vote, but once there, it felt easy. I felt like a true citizen of Nepal, and I am very happy.”
The electoral government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki reached an agreement in Mangsir (November-December) with the Gen Z protesters, pledging to investigate human rights violations and violence occurring during the Gen Z movement and hold the perpetrators accountable.