The discussion program on “Democracy and Elections,” jointly organised by the Informal Sector Service Center (INSEC) and the Tanka Prasad Acharya Memorial Foundation, was held in Kathmandu on November 12, 2025. The program featured detailed discussions on the future of democracy, the role of the Gen-Z youth group and political parties in ensuring the success of the upcoming elections on March 5, 2026, and the responsibilities of stakeholders in conducting free, fair, and safe elections.
Sushil Pyakurel, Founding Chairperson of INSEC and Chairperson of the Tanka Prasad Acharya Memorial Foundation, emphasised the need for intergenerational collaboration, stating that the aspirations of the new generation should be balanced by the experience of the older generation. He urged political parties to function as institutions of collective intelligence, rising above personal interests, and reminded them that, as public institutions, they must remain accountable to citizens.
Recalling his experience of participating in the civic movement at the age of 14 after his curiosity being ignited upon learning about the Vietnam protests, he described the current Gen-Z movement as a pathway for reform and transformation.
He also warned about the serious consequences of political failures while seeking suggestions to make the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, 2026 credible.
Yogesh Bhattarai, leader of the Nepal Communist Party (UML), proposed digitising the voting system, ensuring legal transparency, and regulating political party expenditures through banking systems and audit mechanisms. He also emphasised the need for new leadership during the internal reforms of political parties.
Madhav Sapkota, former leader of the Maoist Centre, stated that the Gen-Z movement should be regarded as a “revolutionary consciousness” and urged all political parties to share collective responsibility. He highlighted that the Nepal Communist Party is undergoing restructuring and emphasised that democracy is not merely about voting, but also about the practice of awareness and participation.
Similarly, Kavindra Burlakoti, General Secretary of the National Independent Party (Rastra Swatantra Party), emphasised the need for youth-friendly elections, holding political parties accountable, creating an enabling environment for expatriate Nepalis to vote, and ensuring that civil society remains independent of political parties and political manoeuvring.
At the discussion, Rijan Rana Magar, representative of the Gen-Z Movement Revolution, criticised the silence of political parties during the Gen-Z movement and the government-imposed social media restrictions.
He also described the tendency to ignore the violence of September 8, 2025, and only remember the events of the next day as an example of “selective memory.” He highlighted the need for the state to show compassion toward citizens and stressed that it is necessary to return the state from a transitional phase to normalcy. Noting that even at the United Nations forum, Nepal’s permanent representatives highlighted only the positive aspects of the Gen-Z movement, he observed that political parties tend to emphasise problems and incidents of damage, while civil society must support positive changes. He also stressed that older political parties should ensure transparency in their activities through digital democracy.
Gen-Z representative Luja Maharjan pointed out that money-driven politics and unjust tax policies are “anti-people” and called on the government to make necessary reforms.
Participants raised questions about the origins of Gen-Z ideology, while young attendees expressed concern over divisions and misunderstandings within their own generation. Although elections are considered the backbone of democracy, participants noted that the current system marginalizes youth. They also highlighted the cumbersome process for voter ID cards and the difficulties faced by expatriate Nepali voters. During the discussion, participants questioned, “If elections depend on money, can democracy endure?”
Tej P. Timilsina described recent events as unfortunate and emphasised the need to resolve internal divisions within the Gen-Z movement.
Legal professional Indra Aryal stressed that political parties need to engage in self-criticism. He underscored that elections without muscle and money influence are essential and highlighted the need for an independent judiciary free from political interference.
Participant Sudha Pokharel expressed concern that the aspirations and desires of the youth have not yet been fully addressed. Participant Amrit Kharel raised open questions about whether old parties should be reformed or new parties formed, noting that the lack of transparency and trust should be considered the main challenge.
Youth human rights activist Barun Basyal emphasised that elections must be free from political and economic influence to ensure effective democracy.
Similarly, Pawan Gautam, Chairperson of Youth Initiative (Youth Campaign), highlighted the problem of highly centralised leadership during election periods and stressed the need for collaboration between political parties and youth. He also underscored the active role of both sides in voter awareness and election education.
Participants at the discussion emphasised that the House of Representatives election on March 5 is crucial for maintaining Nepal’s democratic continuity. They identified youth inclusivity, transparency, impartial monitoring, and intergenerational dialogue as the key foundations for securing the future of democracy.
During the discussion, participants highlighted that without a strong monitoring mechanism and active youth participation, a fair election is not possible.
Thanking the participants, Shiva Khakurel, Coordinator of INSEC Bagmati Province Office, noted that ensuring the upcoming election is conducted fairly is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders.
