A group of 23 civil society leaders has urged Nepal’s political parties to immediately transfer leadership to enable participation of the younger generation in politics. The appeal published on October 8 stresses the importance of upholding democratic, civil, and social rights, strengthening internal party democracy, and ensuring accountability and ideological integrity.
The appeal welcoming the interim government’s commitment to address the legitimate demands of Gen-z, who have led the protest against corruption and for good governance, condemned the violent turn of recent protest, attacks on government offices, private properties, media houses, and security personnel, and urged immediate investigation and prosecution of those involved in the crimes.
The appeal states that the government must immediately revoke its directive suggesting that those involved in arson and vandalism will not be punished. If it fails to clearly distinguish between peaceful protesters and violent actors and to act accordingly, the government itself will be seen as promoting impunity. Additionally, the appeal stressed ending intimidation against constitutional officials, safeguarding the rule of law, and creating a peaceful environment for the upcoming 5 March 2026 elections. The civil society leaders called for swift internal democratization, restoration of public trust, and the establishment of accountable, collective leadership.
The civil society leaders include Lokraj Baral, Ganeshman Gurung, Ratnasansar Shrestha, Upendra Koirala, Sushil Koilara, Chadeshwor Shrestha, Kanak Dixit, Renu Adhikari, Sarad Banta, Mahesh Maske, Parshuram Tamang, Shankhar Subedi, Jhalak Subedi, Kundan Aryal, Tikaram Bhattarai, Shobhakar Budathoki, Usha Jha, Gita Tripathi, Radhika Khatiwada, Bhagiram Chaudhary, Rajendra Maharjan, Curnabahadur Chaudhary, Bindu Sharma.