How has Gen Z forced changes in Nepal?, Pg 12.

Key Highlights:

• Nepal government banned 26 major social media platforms on September 4, 2025.
• Protests led by Gen Z activists erupted on September 8, escalating into violent confrontations.
• At least 34 people killed and over 1,000 hospitalised; multiple government buildings attacked.
• PM K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025.
• Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice, appointed as interim Prime Minister under Article 61.
• Parliament dissolved on interim PM’s recommendation, raising constitutional questions.
• Elections scheduled by March 2026 under interim government’s mandate.

Detailed Insights:

• The protests were not only against the social media ban but also against corruption, poor governance, and economic stagnation.
• Movement differed from Jan Andolan I (1990) and Jan Andolan II (2006) as it was led by non-party Gen Z activists, coordinated via social media platforms like Instagram and Discord.
• Demonstrated a generational shift toward digital mobilisation, horizontal leadership, and rejection of traditional party oligarchy.
• Raised constitutional concerns as Article 76(7) and Article 66(2) of the 2015 Constitution do not explicitly allow dissolution of Parliament under protest pressure.
• Civil society actors like Hami Nepal and popular local leaders (e.g., Balendra Shah, Harka Sampang) gained political legitimacy.
• The uprising underscores chronic instability in Nepal’s political settlement post-2015 Constitution, with risks of democratic regression if monarchist or anti-democratic forces exploit the vacuum.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Digital Mobilisation: Use of online platforms (Instagram, Discord) for political coordination, bypassing traditional party structures.
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 61 (appointment of PM under extraordinary circumstances), Article 76(7) (dissolution of Parliament), and Article 66(2) (Presidential actions requiring Council of Ministers’ recommendation).