Two protests, two elections: How Nepal’s Gen Z succeeded where Bangladesh’s stumbled
The Unfolding of a Youth-Driven Shift
Last month, Nepal celebrated the installation of its new prime minister, Balendra Shah, alongside a parliament brimming with young representatives. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi activist Umama Fatema watched from a distance, grappling with a sense of letdown. Fatema, part of the Gen Z-led demonstrations in Bangladesh during 2024, had played a role in toppling their government through passionate protests. Yet, nearly two years later, the youth movement in Bangladesh has not translated into tangible political influence. In the first elections following the protests, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secured a sweeping majority, while the newly formed National Citizens’ Party (NCP)—born from the student-led uprising—struggled to make an impact.
Political Structures and Electoral Dynamics
Nepal’s recent election marked a turning point, with the four-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) achieving a decisive victory. This success propelled a wave of Gen Z politicians into parliament and elevated Balendra Shah, who partnered with the RSP, to leadership. In contrast, Bangladesh’s political landscape remained unchanged, leaving the youth’s efforts to challenge the status quo underutilized. Analysts highlight that Nepal’s electoral system, which favors coalition governments, created an environment where established parties could no longer dominate. Over 17 years, the country experienced 14 administrations, as alliances shifted between a few key parties.
Organizational Resilience and Public Trust
KP Khanal, a Gen Z representative elected by the RSP in Kailali district, credited the movement’s success to its connection with the general populace. “The protests captured a deep, long-standing frustration with governance,” he explained. “The efforts and demands of young activists stayed with people, proving they were not overlooked.” Consistency in messaging about accountability and justice helped solidify the movement’s credibility, transforming it from a reactive force into a trusted political entity.
Strategic Alliances and Leadership
Nitasha Kaul, director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Westminster, noted that Nepal’s political fragmentation allowed the RSP to thrive. “With all three major parties discredited, the youthful RSP became the main beneficiary,” she observed. The alliance between Balendra Shah and the RSP provided the necessary resources and reach for a successful campaign. Though Shah’s leadership faced accusations of embezzlement, his charisma and the party’s coalition structure helped navigate these challenges.
Challenges of a Youth-Led Campaign
Purushottam Suprabhat Yadav, a Gen Z activist, reflected on the complexities of transitioning from protest to political power. When asked to join in forming a new party after the 2024 demonstrations, he hesitated. “Winning an election isn’t just about passion—it’s about organization,” Yadav said. “A movement’s victory in the streets doesn’t automatically translate to electoral success, especially in a region where party machinery is crucial.”
In a broader South Asian context, the RSP’s success underscores the importance of institutional support for young political actors. While Nepal’s youth movement found its footing through strategic partnerships, Bangladesh’s efforts remain tethered to the entrenched power of traditional parties. The contrast highlights the nuanced path from protest to governance, where timing, structure, and leadership play pivotal roles.
