Saturday, March 29, 2025
Kathmandu, September 24, 2025 – Nepal is preparing to amend its electoral law to allow young people—especially members of Generation Z, who played a key role in toppling the recent government—to register as voters in time for the upcoming elections.
President Ram Chandra Paudel on Wednesday issued an ordinance amending the Voters’ List Act, 2016 under Article 114(1) of the Constitution, based on recommendations from the new Council of Ministers. The change specifically modifies Section 4(2)(2), which had previously barred voter registration after election dates were announced.
Under the old rule, only individuals registered before September 12 could participate in the elections. This meant that many young people—eligible by age but not yet enrolled—would have been excluded from voting in the polls scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Since Gen-Z youth were instrumental in forcing the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, there was strong pressure to ensure their participation in shaping Nepal’s next government. The ordinance aims to expand voter inclusion and ensure broader democratic participation.
Former Prime Minister Oli was forced to resign following violent protests on September 8–9. Demonstrators, led largely by young people, rallied against government corruption and a controversial social media ban. The unrest left at least 74 people dead and hundreds injured.
In response, political leaders turned to youth-backed candidate Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice, who was appointed as interim Prime Minister. Karki has since announced that fresh elections will be held on March 5.
The move to change voting laws reflects the unprecedented influence of Nepal’s younger generation. The same Gen-Z activists who brought down the previous administration will now have the opportunity to formalize their political role through the ballot box.
Political analysts say the decision could dramatically reshape Nepal’s electoral landscape, as young voters are expected to make up a significant portion of the electorate in the coming polls.
