In a historic development, Nepal’s interim government and leaders of the Gen Z movement signed a landmark 10-point accord on Wednesday, December 11, 2025, at Baluwatar. The agreement formally recognizes the September youth uprising—which toppled the previous Nepali Congress and CPN-UML government—as a “Jana Andolan” (People’s Movement). With this declaration, the Gen Z uprising is now acknowledged as the third major people’s movement in Nepal’s modern political history, after those of 1990 and 2006.
Prime Minister Sushila Karki, head of the non-partisan interim government formed after the uprising, signed the accord alongside Bhoj Bikram Thapa, representing the family of a Gen Z martyr.
Institutionalizing Modern Civic Expression
One of the most groundbreaking elements of the agreement is its recognition of digital, cultural, social, and technology-driven forms of resistance as legitimate civic expression. This marks the first time in Nepal’s political history that online mobilization and digital activism have been formally validated.
Prime Minister Karki described the decision as globally significant, stating that Nepal has now become a leading example of Gen Z-led democratic movements. She added that the document was drafted with the intention of offering a model for other countries navigating generational political change.
The accord is rooted in the mandate emerging from public frustration and the youth’s demand for transparent, accountable governance.
A Blueprint for Structural Reform
The 10-point agreement outlines a wide range of institutional and political reforms aimed at reshaping Nepal’s governance systems. Key priorities include:
- Constitutional and Electoral Reform:
A new commission will be formed to recommend constitutional changes. The accord also proposes major electoral reforms, including the possible introduction of NOTA (None of the Above)—a feature not currently available in Nepal. - Judicial and Administrative Overhaul:
The accord calls for restructuring the judiciary and public administration, including reforms in the appointment processes for the Judiciary, Constitutional Council, constitutional commissions, and the Judicial Council. The goal is to ensure autonomy, reduce partisan influence, and secure youth representation. - Governance and Social Priorities:
The preamble reinforces the values of the Constitution of Nepal and urges the state to prioritize education, health, employment, housing, land rights, language, culture, gender, and collective rights. It also emphasizes strengthening federalism, local autonomy, and decentralization, backed by public participation, inclusion, and good governance.
Addressing Systemic Corruption
A major focus of the agreement is dismantling entrenched political and bureaucratic corruption. It calls for an end to political appointments made through party quotas and commits to eliminating partisan influence in state institutions.
The accord mandates the creation of a high-level commission to conduct impartial investigations into corruption. Importantly, individuals—whether elected, nominated, or appointed—found guilty of holding illegal assets or engaging in financial misconduct will face legal consequences.
The investigation will also target foundations, trusts, councils, and funds established by political leaders or public officials using state land or public money. If found acting against public interest or operating illegally, such entities will be dissolved and their assets nationalized.
Additionally, a specialized mechanism will be formed to examine corruption within administrative bodies and propose major reforms for improving public service delivery. Its recommendations must be submitted within 90 days and implemented immediately.
Ensuring Justice and Accountability
The accord includes explicit measures to ensure justice for victims of the uprising and accountability for abuses committed during the protests:
- Reparations for Victims:
A high-level task force will be created to address short-term and long-term needs of families of those killed or injured. Reparations include interim relief, compensation, free medical care, free education, employment opportunities, and social security, along with appropriate commemoration. - Investigating Use of Force:
A separate body will investigate excessive and unlawful use of force by security agencies during the Gen Z uprising and previous protests. It will examine structural flaws, legal gaps, and institutional weaknesses. The panel must submit its findings within 90 days, followed by immediate action. - Release of Activists:
The accord calls for the immediate release of protestors arrested solely for their involvement in the movement. The Gauri Bahadur Karki-led commission—whose mandate has been expanded to investigate deaths and destruction from the September 8–9 events—will review complaints. Those not implicated in murder or serious crimes involving organized groups will be recommended for immediate release and case withdrawal.
Mixed Reactions: Hope, Criticism, and Political Pushback
The accord has generated sharply divided reactions, highlighting Nepal’s current political polarization.
Optimism from Gen Z and Civil Society:
Gen Z leaders—including Sudan Gurung, Purushottam Yadav, Rakshya Bam, Tashi Lhazom, and Bhawana Raut—attended the signing ceremony and expressed optimism. Yadav said he believes the accord will guide the upcoming March 5 elections toward the aspirations of Nepal’s younger generation.
Former Supreme Court Justice Balaram KC described the 10-point agreement as legitimate and of high political and legal significance, arguing that the Karki-led interim government has full executive authority to enact such decisions. Civil society leader Vidhyadhar Mallik called the accord a milestone, especially for addressing fears of punitive action among activists.
Political Resistance and Rejection from Some Activists:
Not all Gen Z activists accepted the accord. Ajay Soraadi of “Gen Z Movement Nepal” publicly tore up the document shortly after the signing, while another leader, Miraj Dhungana, later repudiated it.
Major political parties also voiced strong objections.
CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli dismissed the agreement as an “artless drama”, questioning the interim government’s authority to commit to far-reaching reforms. Nepali Congress spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat differentiated between the legitimate September 23 youth movement and the “vandalism” that occurred the next day, arguing the latter cannot be considered a Jana Andolan. Both parties insisted that substantial constitutional changes must be decided by a newly elected parliament.
The Road Ahead: A Historic Promise, But Uncertain Implementation
The accord marks a historic milestone in Nepal’s political evolution, formally acknowledging the power of youth-led democratic change. However, effective implementation remains the real challenge. As civil society leader Mallik noted, “No journey begins without taking the first step.”
Gen Z representatives remain hopeful, asserting that the agreement reflects the sacrifices and aspirations of Nepal’s new generation—including the children of today’s political leaders.
Yet, with powerful political parties questioning its legitimacy and hinting that future governments may not uphold it, the durability of this accord will depend on sustained public pressure and political honesty in the months ahead.
Gen Z Press delivers trusted and timely global news for the new generation. We bring you world updates, Gen Z trends, entertainment, lifestyle, and digital culture with clarity, simplicity, and accuracy. Stay informed, inspired, and connected with Gen Z Press — your reliable destination for global news and youth-driven stories.
We welcome your opinions at ✉️ letters@genzpress.com
