Kathmandu (TIP)- Nepal’s interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, announced on Thursday, Sept 25, that the minimum voting age has been lowered from 18 to 16 to boost youth’s participation in politics following recent Gen-Z protests. In her first televised address to the nation since assuming office, Karki said the decision was taken to respond to youth demands for greater representation and to encourage involvement in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for 5 March.
“To find a way out of this complex situation, the government has already started preliminary work for the general election by holding the election in a free, fair and fear-free environment by March 5, after discussing with the Election Commission officials the necessary manpower, budget, election materials, security and legal arrangements. The existing election law has been amended through an ordinance to provide voting rights to the younger generation who have reached the age of 18 and to extend the voter list,” she said.
Karki said the government had recommended dissolving parliament and setting the election date immediately after she took office. She was sworn in by President Ram Chandra Paudel on 12 September, and recommended that the president call polls for 5 March 2026.
The prime minister called on citizens across the country — including voters who had been displaced or scattered — to use their franchise and to choose representatives who reflect the aspirations of younger voters.
“I would like to call on all Nepali sisters and brothers to participate enthusiastically in the upcoming elections of the House of Representatives and to select qualified people’s representatives who can represent the aspirations of the youth for change. I also call on all political parties, civil society, the media and all relevant stakeholders to actively participate in the successful conduct of free, fearless and fair elections. A peaceful environment is essential for the conduct of the elections. Therefore, I request all sisters and brothers residing in all geographical areas of the country to maintain a peaceful environment with patience,” Karki said.
NO IMPUNITY FOR THOSE RESPONSIBLE, PM SAYS
Sushila Karki said that the government is committed to taking stern action against those responsible for the death of 74 people, including students, during the Gen Z protests.
She became prime minister on September 12, ending days of political uncertainty after the ouster of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli following violent protests by youth-led Gen Z group against his government over corruption and a ban on social media.
The unrest in the Himalayan nation was fuelled by Gen Z after the government’s decision to ban social media platforms across the country. The unrest later turned into an anti-corruption movement.
Despite the reversal of the social media ban and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, protests continue to rage across Nepal. Demonstrators remained on the streets, with widespread reports of vandalism and arson. Houses and offices of several leaders and government officials were set on fire.
The situation was pathetic to an extent that the Army took over the charge of maintaining law and order.
After multiple rounds of discussions involving Gen Z leaders, President Ram Chandra Poudel and Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, Sushila Karki was appointed as the interim PM of Nepal.
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