Two protests, two elections: How Nepal’s Gen Z succeeded where Bangladesh’s stumbled
Two protests, two elections: How Nepal’s Gen Z succeeded where Bangladesh’s stumbled
A Tale of Two Movements
Last month, Nepal’s new prime minister Balendra Shah took office, alongside a parliament filled with young lawmakers. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi activist Umama Fatema felt a sense of disappointment, watching from afar. Fatema was part of the thousands of Gen Z protesters in Bangladesh who toppled their government through passionate demonstrations. Yet, nearly two years later, the youth-led movement in Bangladesh has yet to translate into political influence. In the first post-protest elections held in February, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a historic majority, while the new National Citizens’ Party—founded during the student-led uprising—struggled to gain traction.
The Path to Power
Nepal, by contrast, saw a different outcome. Just a month after the protests, the country held elections where the four-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) emerged victorious in a landslide. This marked a turning point, with Gen Z politicians entering parliament in significant numbers and Balendra Shah, a former rapper, becoming prime minister through an alliance with the RSP. The success of Nepal’s youth movement stands out as a rare achievement in Asia, where many Gen Z-led protests have failed to secure lasting political power.
Why the Difference?
Nepalese youth leaders credit their triumph to the movement’s ability to connect with everyday citizens. “The protests tapped into a deep frustration with how politics had been managed for years,” explained KP Khanal, an RSP candidate who won a seat in Kailali district. “The sacrifices of Gen Z didn’t fade; they stayed with the public and became part of the narrative.” Consistency in messaging—centered on accountability and justice—also played a role, according to Khanal. “The movement evolved from a reaction to a credible force people chose to support.”
Political Landscape and Strategy
Analysts highlight Nepal’s unique electoral system as a key factor. Designed to favor coalition governments, the system has long allowed no single party to dominate. Over 17 years, the country saw 14 administrations, with established parties and politicians cycling through power, often criticized as political chaos. This environment made the RSP—a relative newcomer—appear as a fresh alternative. “With all three major parties discredited, the RSP and its leader gained momentum,” said Nitasha Kaul, director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Westminster.
The Challenge of Organization
In South Asia, party structure is crucial for electoral success. “A youth-led party would need to build a robust network before making an impact,” noted Nepalese political analyst Amish Mulmi. This was the lesson Purushottam Suprabhat Yadav learned when asked to join a new party after the 2024 protests. “Winning an election isn’t a game. Organizing a movement and running a campaign are separate challenges,” he said, reflecting on the hurdles faced by young activists in Bangladesh.
The story of Nepal’s Gen Z movement underscores how protest energy can transform into political power when aligned with strategic alliances and institutional support. For Bangladesh, the path remains unfinished, with activists still seeking to bridge the gap between street demands and parliamentary representation.
