Nepal Government, Gen Z Leaders in Rare Dialogue to Ease Political Tensions

Nepal’s government says it is “encouraged” after a rare meeting between Gen Z representatives, political parties, and Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Wednesday aimed at bridging divides ahead of the March 5 elections.

The four-hour dialogue, held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, was described as “harmonious” and “instrumental” in moving election preparations forward, according to Communications and Information Technology Minister Jagdish Kharel, who also serves as government spokesperson.

“This meeting was held in a positive atmosphere. It will be crucial in taking the election process ahead,” Kharel told reporters after the talks.

The discussion centered on how the interim government could respond to Gen Z’s demands while ensuring that the upcoming polls proceed as scheduled.

It marked the first formal interaction between political leaders and Gen Z activists since the September 8–9 protests that toppled the previous coalition government and led to the House of Representatives’ dissolution.

Prime Minister Karki, who personally initiated the meeting, urged both political and youth leaders to cooperate in ensuring a credible election process.

She reiterated her administration’s commitment to “good governance and clean elections.”

Kharel said most major parties including the Nepali Congress, CPN (Maoist Centre), and Rastriya Prajatantra Party had pledged support for the polls.

“Even the CPN-UML stated it was not against the election,” he noted.

The Nepali Congress reportedly raised security concerns, while the UML questioned the government’s readiness to guarantee safe voting conditions.

Gen Z leaders, meanwhile, pushed for stronger anti-corruption measures and better governance, voicing conditional support for the election process.

“Now the atmosphere for election is created,” Kharel said, calling for cooperation from all sides. He also disclosed that the government is working to recover arms looted during recent unrest.

The meeting was attended by senior political figures including Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Barshaman Pun, Rajendra Pandey, Swarnim Wagle, and Nisha Dangi, alongside government ministers Om Prakash Aryal and Dr Mahabir Pun.