Nepali Youth Express High Hopes for New Government Amid Vote Counting Final Stages

As the counting for the House of Representatives elections reaches its final stages, the interest and expectations of the youth across the country are rising regarding the new government to be formed. The 'Gen Z' generation expects the upcoming government to prioritize good governance, control corruption, create employment, and implement systemic reforms.

Due to the presence of newly elected young members in the House of Representatives, the Gen Z generation hopes that youth-friendly policies, digital services, and balanced and transparent development will be the focus of the government to be formed.

Madan Karki, 25, who was injured participating in the 'Gen Z' demonstration against corruption and irregularities on August 23, emphasized that the new government must prioritize the demands and sentiments of the youth. After returning from casting his vote in the election, he stated that he participated in the voting with hope for positive change from the incoming government.

Karki stressed the need for the implementation of the 10-point agreement reached between the government and the 'Gen Z' protest groups. He said, "Let an environment be created where Nepalis can live safely and with dignity within their own country. Let good governance be established and corruption end. The government to be formed must take action against those responsible for incidents during the protests."

Liza Adhikari, who was injured during the protest, is still undergoing treatment in the hospital. From her hospital bed, the 20-year-old expressed her expectation that the new government will implement the demands of the youth.

Adhikari emphasized that the next government must implement the issues raised by the Gen Z movement, such as ending corruption, transparency, and good governance. She said, "I have faith that the demands we raised through the movement will be fulfilled. Along with good governance, the government should focus on creating employment opportunities within the country."

According to Sujata Karki, 22, who is originally from Ramechhap and resides in Kathmandu, youth interest in politics has increased after the Gen Z movement. Her suggestion is that the new government should arrange 'part-time' employment for the youth and prioritize infrastructure development in remote and disadvantaged areas.

"I didn't have much interest in politics before. But after the movement, I started paying attention to political activities. There should be employment opportunities in the country. If we have to go abroad, it should only be for travel, not for work," she said.

According to Bishal Budhathoki, 23, from Dolakha, the new government must accelerate policy reforms and infrastructure development that the old parties could not achieve. He expressed confidence that the government will prioritize removing the development imbalance between villages and cities.

"Development is visible in the cities, but that level of development is not present in the villages," he said. Budhathoki, who plans to study abroad, expects an environment to be created for him to return home and start a business after his studies.

Binay Dhungana, 27, from Kathmandu, stated that his vote was in favor of change and suggested that the government should focus on digital governance and a production-oriented economy.

"The vote was changed not because the new ones will do a lot, but out of frustration that the old ones did nothing," he said. "I expect government service delivery to become simple and easy. I believe the situation where one has to bribe or pay money for simple tasks will end."

Kiran Budhathoki, 24, from Dolakha, reminded that the people voted for change and expressed the view that development work will only become effective if the new government focuses on system development. "The party we wanted is moving towards forming the government. It seems the government the people sought is coming," he said. "The government must work on areas with great potential like tourism, hydropower, and agriculture. The manifesto must be implemented."

Salina Rai, 19, from Khotang, stated that ending the compulsion for youth to go abroad should be the main responsibility of the upcoming government. "Many youths in my family and village have gone abroad for employment. We are in a state of uncertainty due to the lack of reliable employment at home," she said. "I have faith that the new government will create employment opportunities."