Introduction : In 9 September 2025, Nepal witnessed a powerful movement known as the “Gen‑Z Uprising.” This movement revealed that many young people and ordinary citizens were deeply disappointed by corruption, nepotism, appointments without merit, unequal opportunities, and lack of transparency.
The protests sent a clear message: change is necessary. It is time for Nepal to create a system of governance—its constitution, laws, and institutions—that meets people’s expectations: honesty, fairness, inclusiveness, capacity, and accountable leadership.
Nepal’s Current Situation and Challenges
Although Nepal’s Constitution of 2015 includes important principles of federalism, equality, and inclusion, in practice many of these ideas have not been fully realized. The country faces several serious challenges:
Lack of Merit and Integrity in Leadership and Appointments
Many high positions—ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, judges—are often filled based on political connections, favoritism, or family ties. Qualified and honest people are often passed over.
Weak Independence and Capacity of Constitutional Bodies
Bodies like the CIAA (Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority), the Election Commission, and the Auditor General’s Office sometimes face political pressure or lack the resources they need to operate effectively.
Weaknesses in the Electoral System and Internal Party Processes
Nepal uses a mix of “first-past-the-post” and “proportional representation” in elections, aiming for inclusion. However, candidate selection, party ticket allocation, and campaign funding often suffer from favoritism, nepotism, and unfair practices.
Regional and Social Inequality
Differences in access to public services—health, education, transportation—are especially noticeable among people living in the Himalayas, the hills, and the Tarai. Marginalized groups—indigenous peoples, women, youths, and minority castes—often feel underrepresented or ignored.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
Government decisions, budget plans, contracts, appointments are not always publicly accessible. Performance evaluations, transfers, or promotions are not always based on clear and open criteria. This breeds distrust among citizens.
Lessons from Singapore and Other Successful Countries
Nepal can learn a lot from success stories like Singapore, and also from other countries that have managed similar challenges:
Singapore:
• Recruitments and promotions in public service are based on merit, experience, education, and performance, not on political connections or family ties.
• The President has limited but meaningful powers—over public reserves, large government spending, and key appointments—that act as checks on executive power.
• Strong independent oversight bodies (anti‑corruption agencies, auditing offices, judiciary) hold power accountable.
• High levels of transparency in public finance and government contracts, which builds public trust.
Germany: Federal states with proper powers, enabling local governments to make decisions about matters like health, schooling, and transportation; independent courts and electoral bodies.
Canada: Improving access to justice even in remote areas; public consultation and citizen participation in governance; professional training and evaluation in public service.
These examples show that success depends not only on good laws but on how well they are implemented and how well institutions are trusted by the people.
Suggestions for Reform: What Nepal Should Do
To prevent another uprising like Gen‑Z’s and build public trust, Nepal should adopt the following reforms in its constitution, laws, and governance practices:
Constitutional Reforms
Set criteria for leadership positions: For roles such as Prime Minister, ministers, judges, and heads of constitutional bodies, there should be clear requirements—education, relevant experience, a clean legal record, and financial transparency.
Give the President limited but effective powers: The President should have authority to review large government spending, important appointments, and perhaps major loans. A Presidential Advisory Council could help in giving counsel.
Mandate timelines for filling key vacancies: If a constitutional position becomes vacant, it must be filled within a certain period (for example, 60‑90 days), so that governance is not held up by empty roles.
Protect independent bodies: Ensure institutions like the CIAA, Election Commission, Auditor General’s Office, and judiciary have guaranteed budgets, clear appointment processes, and protection from political influence.
Ensure inclusive representation and local autonomy: The constitution should guarantee representation for women, youth, indigenous and minority groups. Local governments and provinces should have adequate authority and finance to serve their areas effectively.
Enshrine information rights and transparency: Citizens must have the legal right to access government information—about contracts, spending, appointments, policies—so governance is open.
Legal Reforms
Strengthen anti‑corruption laws: Fast and transparent investigation processes; strict penalties for proven offenses; protection for whistleblowers.
Improve electoral laws: Set clear limits on campaign spending; ensure equal access to campaigning tools; make candidate background and qualifications publicly known; make ticket allocation transparent.
Reform political parties: Promote internal democracy in parties; ensure candidate selection is fair and merit-based; reduce nepotism; introduce quotas where necessary for underrepresented groups.
Improve public administration: Recruitment and promotion based on merit; performance evaluation; protect civil servants from arbitrary transfers and political interference; regular training and capacity building.
Judicial access and reform: Make justice more accessible in remote districts; set up mobile courts; ensure cases are heard without undue delay; appointment of judges through transparent and independent bodies.
Practical / Operational Improvements
Enhance transparency in government operations: Publish government decisions, contracts, budgets online; hold public hearings or consultations; allow community feedback.
Promote leadership development and citizen participation: Involve youth, women, minority community members in policy making and local government; ensure their voices are heard.
Implement reforms effectively: Laws and constitutional provisions are only useful if acted upon. Strengthen enforcement mechanisms; ensure competent agencies are held responsible; monitor performance and adjust as needed.
Conclusion
The Gen‑Z uprising made clear that many Nepalis want more than promises—they want real, lasting change. They want a governance system where leadership is honest, capable, and chosen at the right time; where opportunities are equal; where corruption is not tolerated; where voices from the Himalayas, Hills, and Tarai are all heard.;
By learning from models like Singapore, by making constitutional and legal reforms, and by improving everyday governance practice, Nepal can build a system that earns the trust of its citizens. If Nepal’s leaders, political parties, civil society, and citizens—all work together—then the country can enter a new era of stability, fairness, and development. A time when another uprising will no longer be necessary, because the system itself works for everyone.
(Author: Brigadier General Lok Bahadur Thapa Magar (Retired), Nepalese Army, +977 985-1073477 )
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