Two protests, two elections: How Nepal’s Gen Z succeeded where Bangladesh’s stumbled

Two Protests, Two Elections: How Nepal’s Gen Z Succeeded Where Bangladesh’s Stumbled

Last month, Nepal celebrated the inauguration of its new prime minister, Balendra Shah, alongside a legislative body filled with young representatives. In contrast, Bangladeshi activist Umama Fatema observed the situation in her homeland with a sense of wistfulness. She had been part of the massive Gen Z-led demonstrations in 2024 that successfully ousted the government, yet nearly two years later, the movement’s impact on political power remained limited.

Bangladesh’s first election following the protests saw the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secure an overwhelming majority, while the youth-driven National Citizens’ Party (NCP)—born from the student uprisings—struggled to make an impression. This outcome stands in stark contrast to Nepal, where the four-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) achieved a sweeping victory in its inaugural election. The success propelled dozens of Gen Z politicians into parliament and marked a turning point in the country’s political landscape.

The Power of Resonance and Consistency

Gen Z protesters in Nepal managed to connect deeply with the public, addressing long-simmering frustrations over governance. KP Khanal, an RSP candidate who won a seat in Kailali district, noted that “the protests captured a widespread sense of disillusionment with the way things have been run.” The movement’s sustained focus on accountability and justice helped solidify its credibility, transforming it from a reactive force into a trusted political entity.

“Personally, I felt disheartened. When I saw how effectively [the Nepalese youth] were able to organise themselves, I could not help but feel disappointed about the situation in our own country,” said Fatema. “Bangladesh has not been able to deliver such a change… it is naturally disheartening to realise that we have not been able to organise and rebuild our country in the same way.”

Structural and Electoral Dynamics

Nepal’s political environment, with its coalition-based electoral system, created unique opportunities for the RSP. The country had seen 14 governments in 17 years, driven by shifting alliances among established parties. This instability made the RSP—a relatively new force—appeal to voters seeking a fresh direction.

Analysts highlight that the RSP’s alliance with Balendra Shah, a charismatic leader without a formal party structure, played a critical role. This partnership allowed the party to leverage Shah’s popularity while providing the necessary infrastructure for a campaign. “In a larger South Asian context, where party organisation is extremely important, a youth-led party would likely have to build an extensive structure before achieving widespread success,” remarked Nepalese political analyst Amish Mulmi.

A Unique Path to Power

The RSP’s ability to unify diverse groups under its banner further bolstered its campaign. However, the party’s leader, Rabi Lamichhane, faced accusations of embezzlement. By aligning with Shah, the RSP not only gained public support but also navigated the political challenges that had hindered its progress.

While some Gen Z activists, like Purushottam Suprabhat Yadav, hesitated to join the RSP, others saw the alliance as a strategic move. Yadav, when asked to help form a new party, responded with caution: “Winning an election is not a joke. Organising a movement and emerging victorious in an election are two different things,” he said.