Summary of the news: Public dissatisfaction with political parties and government in Nepal is rapidly increasing due to corruption, impunity, and the misuse of partisan mechanisms. The recently concluded general election saw the populist party, Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), win two-thirds of the seats, signaling a new political era. Sociologist Mishra analyzes the decline of traditional political parties and the rise of new populist leadership in Nepal within a global political context. Mishra’s comprehensive article on the Gen Z movement and Nepal’s political situation has been published in three parts for Nepali readers. Professor Mishra is among the first generation of scholars to formally teach sociology in Nepal, with key works including ‘Capitalism and Nepal,’ ‘Changing Nepali Society,’ ‘Essays on the Sociology of Nepal,’ and ‘Democracy and Contemporary Marxism.’ In this series, Mishra critically examines the youth-led technological rebellion and its diverse outcomes through an academic lens.
Growing dissatisfaction and anger toward parties and government in Nepal, reflected in the Gen Z wave and recent events, highlight the extensive presence of political parties and intense public outrage. Governments are increasingly viewed as incompetent, corrupt, and protectors of impunity. Political parties have attempted to control nearly all aspects of civil life, weakening the essence of citizenship. Party-affiliated ‘fraternal organizations’ act as the organizational backbone and intermediaries, eroding direct engagement between citizens and the government. Activists within these organizations often become contractors or businessmen, bypassing queues for government access and frequently unlawfully controlling government or social programs. These organizations have deeply permeated ministries, associations, professional bodies, and commercial sectors.
Almost all traditional political parties across the country have established organizations at various levels for farmers, employees, workers, teachers, doctors, students, and community groups. Elections within these bodies are fought entirely on partisan lines. Through these platforms, parties cultivate millions of activists and take pride in their large numbers, which further weakens true citizenship. Many of these activists control potential resources linked to access and influence, with some members seeking to benefit themselves by waiting in line. These party operatives are often at the forefront of controlling government jobs and land allocations.
The influence of parties is visible in government appointments, judiciary, and anti-corruption agencies, challenging impartiality on public platforms. Nepal’s political system had been excessively inflated, with parties weakening civil liberties and decreasing efficiency in most areas. Widespread corruption and strong impunity have fueled growing public anger against government leadership. Dissatisfaction in the election and the decay of traditional parties are primarily driven by impunity. Both youth and intellectuals are concerned about political parties and the government eroding citizens’ rights.
Parties have harmed democracy by making their leaders and governments insensitive. Public dissatisfaction also relates to the functioning of the legislature and judiciary. Many lawmakers showed irresponsibility, often absent from parliamentary sessions and disregarding collective decisions. Political party influence in judge appointments has undermined judicial legitimacy. Together, these trends have diminished public trust in government institutions and promoted indiscipline and corruption in the political system. Advocates of traditional parties are not entirely wrong, yet these parties have shown an inability to comprehend and adapt to the rapidly changing global political landscape.
There is little chance traditional parties will abandon their efforts to regain influence, while new parties will soon attempt to expand. However, being trapped in the old political culture risks repeating history. Nepal’s recent general election offers a profound opportunity to study history, Gen Z, and populism. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), led by Balendra Shah (Balen), secured nearly two-thirds of the seats. Populism is a global phenomenon, not limited to Nepal. Historically, the Magna Carta, American independence, and the French Revolution shaped national governance structures, while Soviet and Chinese revolutions polarized the world politically, providing long-lasting political narratives. Despite the ‘end of history’ declaration after the Cold War, it proved incorrect.
Following the victory of bourgeois power and the defeat of communism, new political philosophies emerged. Populism has risen alongside the development of short- and medium-term political ideas. Nepal’s old communist parties are planning to rebrand their past, while long-term political narratives have weakened even in developed countries from the U.S. to the U.K. Short-term political thinking appears more viable, especially as youth face an uncertain future and trust brief-term plans. New young leaders can manage political fluctuations effectively and maintain public trust. They are willing to view Nepal from a ‘Nepal within the world’ perspective, adopting an interactive view of Nepal and global realities.
Inequality, discrimination, and identity conflicts are intensifying worldwide, yet states play a crucial role in safeguarding civil liberties and welfare. For Nepal, agriculture and the revival of local communities must be the highest priorities, enabling food security, employment, income generation, and poverty alleviation. Traditional parties and leaders should respect past achievements and build on these foundations. Dignity and gratitude are foundational to political success. Artificial intelligence, pandemics, wars, and economic downturns have led many Nepali migrant workers abroad to consider returning home. Legal and policy measures are essential to reintegrate these workers into rural agriculture.
Conclusion: It will take time for old parties to regain public trust and move forward into the new era. However, recognizing past achievements is vital. Dignity and gratitude remain key to political success. The Balen-Raswapa alliance must protect three critical achievements. First is the republican democracy which ended the monarchy, ensuring that all Nepalis have open access to the highest office. Monarchy and democracy are fundamentally opposing concepts; no inherent rights or privileges should exist within the political, economic, or cultural systems. Cultural respect and etiquette should never undermine citizenship dignity. Second is secularism. Religion should not dominate politics or public life. The state must legitimize and treat all religions equally while preventing religious intervention in public affairs. Nepal’s multicultural society is enriched and preserved by secularism. Tony Hagen described Nepal as a ‘racial and ethnic melting point,’ where Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, indigenous, and other religious and cultural identities intersect and thrive. Secularism protects these legacies. Balen has strengthened national unity by fostering harmony between Madhesh and the hills, weakening communal identities. His leadership must aid in criminalizing social class, ethnicism, untouchability, and cultural divisions. The Gen Z movement must also resist the public display of religious or ethnic symbols during protests. Political leaders should not portray themselves as saints or holy figures. Third is social democracy, clearly stipulated in the constitution and based on principles of equality and justice. Old parties have yet to fully implement this. Harmful deviations, such as distribution preceding production, must be corrected because distribution is a social investment indispensable for developing responsible future citizens. Nepal can only achieve prosperity as part of the global capitalist system. Addressing hunger, poverty, education, and healthcare challenges requires political, cultural, legal, and administrative reforms. The state is the common property of all citizens, and social democracy enables all citizens to assume excellent executive roles.
