After a violent two-day protest which brought down the government last September, the Nepali Gen Z youth (15-30 years old) and the RSP (Independent Party) won an astounding electoral victory on March 5th, winning nearly 2/3 of the seats. With much of the old corrupt guard swept out of office and replaced by Gen Z/RSP members, the question has become “Is governance any better now?”
Of course, it is too soon to pass judgment as it has been only 3 months since the new members of parliament were installed. However, the cabinet has been formed; the government remains stable; corruption investigations are on-going, while corruption charges are being filed against a number of officials. That much is positive.
On the other hand, the RSP platform is so ambitious that it seems more like a “wish list” calling for improvements in education, job creation, higher incomes, rural development and modernization. Many of the RSP promises are indeed being carried out, but the more grandiose ones, like making Nepal a “tech hub” of South Asia, would take years to realize. In one instance, the RSP was too eager: it passed a 3% tax hike to support education and improve healthcare coverage, but then had to repeal it since it puts a further financial burden on students and patients in need: one step forward; one step back!
And then there is Balen Shah! The former rap-singer, now Prime Minister (PM), has been hiding in the shadows (or behind his designer sunglasses) rather than leading out front. He is now being openly and increasingly criticized for continually declining public addresses and interviews. Yet, this comes as no surprise as this was how he governed as Mayor of Kathmandu and may simply be his modus operandi. (Click on this link for a fascinating feature article to better understand the PM’s MO—https://kathmandupost.com/national/2026/07/03/inside-the-strange-disciplined-unreachable-world-of-nepal-s-prime-minister). So again, we need to wait and see!
Nevertheless, the RSP seems intent on instituting its ambitious agenda. So, most remain hopeful that the government will turn things around, as do we. We were heartened to learn that ANSWER-Nepal was able to successfully renew its 5-year permit under the new Gen-Z government. This is especially significant as the previous government was quick to accuse several NGOs of being main instigators of the Gen Z Revolt, so I had anticipated additional hoops of fire to jump through this time. That the RSP supports education might also have worked to our advantage.
In addition, the fact that we are addressing the needs of the lower castes further aligns us with RSP goals. The RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane recently addressed Parliament with a surprising rebuke of the caste system. This rebuke came in the form of a public apology to the Dalit Community (“untouchables”) for centuries of abuse and neglect they have suffered at the hands of the government and of society as a whole.
“No Nepali shall ever have to bow down again in the name of caste. I apologise on behalf of my entire party, the prime minister, and the government,” said Lamichhane before the parliament. “I want to ensure that the value of this apology is now secured by justice.”
Such a pronouncement is in line with the direction the RSP states it wants to take the country—from feudal caste distinctions to modern democratic principles (see previous article, ANSWER since the March 5th Election, I. Caste & Gender).
All this to say that the situation remains tenuous but hopeful for Nepal in the near future. We are all excited to see to what extent the country has progressed when ANSWER sponsors visit Nepal to celebrate our Jubilee. We will not only be meeting with our students, their families and school principals, but we will have the opportunity to “interrogate” other NGO directors and government officials at our AAA (ANSWER Alumni Association) meetings and Celebration. Refer to the article “ANSWER’S Jubilee Tour” and consider joining the trip of a lifetime!
Earle Canfield
