Photo credit: Kamal Pariyar
Until a few months ago, Alisha Maharjan from Basantapur, Kathmandu, thought, ‘What difference does it make if I vote or not?’
However, her perspective changed after the ‘Gen Z Movement’ in the month of Bhadra (August-September). On Thursday, she went to her local polling station and voted for the first time.
In an interview, she said, “Inspired by the Gen Z movement, I felt motivated and cast my vote.”
In Bhadra, young people protested in the capital against corruption and misgovernance in the country.
Following protests that resulted in the deaths of at least 77 people, the interim government dissolved the House of Representatives and announced a general election.
Regarding her first experience voting in Nepal’s general election, Maharjan stated, “I hope this first vote will bring some positive changes in life. I voted with a belief that the country will develop further.”
Hoping to See Good People Enter Politics
Photo credit: Kamal Pariyar
According to the national census, approximately 46 percent of Nepal’s total population are youth. The latest census shows that about 19.7 percent of the population falls within the 15-24 age group.
Out of around 19 million eligible voters, about one million are casting their vote for the first time.
One of the first-time voters in Basantapur, Kathmandu, was 19-year-old student Srijal Shrestha.
He said he voted for development and to combat corruption in the country.
“Some of my friends lost their lives. I hope good people enter politics and work properly. There is a lot of corruption. I voted with the hope that corruption will decrease and Nepal will develop,” he said.
Photo credit: Bijay Gajmer
19-year-old Sarvashree Gartoula, though a bit nervous, said she voted properly during her first election experience.
After voting at a Gyaneshwor polling station, she said, “Young people like us should vote. We fulfilled our duty. I hope people’s problems will be resolved. I want opportunities and jobs to remain within the country.”
She added that the Gen Z movement arose because of corruption and urged the new government to put a stop to it.
Curiosity, Fear, and Excitement
Photo credit: Ishwor Joshi
The Election Commission allows individuals who have registered on the voter list and will turn 18 by Falgun 20 (around March 3) to vote in the House of Representatives election.
Quiet streets, queues of voters, tight security, and going through the staff to collect ballots presented a novel and curious experience for many young voters.
One such voter is 23-year-old Ronish Karmacharya from Chitwan. He said, “Previously, I only observed my parents voting. It felt significant to go myself for the first time, though watching others made it easier.”
Though he found voting challenging initially, Ronish said, “Election staff checked my ID and facilitated the process. I realized there’s no need to be afraid of voting; it was actually enjoyable and done quickly.”
Proud to Experience Being a Citizen
Pushpa Rimal from Myang, Nuwakot Constituency No. 2 voted early in the morning. She expressed happiness and pride about casting her vote for the first time.
She said, “At first, I wondered how to vote. But once I went to the polling station, it seemed easy. I felt like a citizen of Nepal, and I’m very happy.”
Her expectations from this election, which aims to resolve the political crisis caused by the Gen Z movement, are in line with those of ordinary citizens.
She stated, “I hope nobody has to go to the Gulf for work, and Nepalis don’t have to sweat abroad. Nepal is rich in natural resources. We know if these resources are managed well, jobs can remain here.”
Photo credit: Shaktimaya Tamang
She added, “May there be no need for protests or fear in Nepal; may ordinary lives unfold peacefully. I feel proud to be Nepali and to have our Prime Minister.”
In the previous Mangsir (November-December), the interim government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki had reached an agreement with the Gen Z protesters, committing to investigate human rights violations and violence, and punish the guilty.
The agreement also included forming a commission to suggest constitutional amendments and pledges to introduce reforms ensuring anti-corruption and good governance.
‘May Bhadra 23 and 24 Never Happen Again’
Photo credit: Umesh Karki
Several young activists who were active in the Gen Z movement are voting for the first time this election.
24-year-old Tanuja Pandey described this day as a deeply emotional moment. She is a voter in Jhapa Constituency 5, where former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and National Independent Party leader Balendra Shah are competing.
She said, “There was doubt whether the election would take place after the movement. Although some instability was visible, I was happy to see strong participation from women.”
However, she expressed surprise at seeing fewer young voters than expected at the Dipeni Chowk polling station in Damak.
Highlighting the importance of who comes to power, she said, “Everyone is talking about change. We hope for leaders linked to political civility. Whoever wins should institutionalize the sentiments raised by the Gen Z movement.”
She also expressed confidence the new government will successfully implement the agreement between the government and Gen Z protesters.
Additional reporting: Kamal Pariyar and Bijay Gajmer (Kathmandu), Ishwor Joshi (Chitwan), Shaktimaya Tamang (Nuwakot)
