Prime Minister Sushila Karki, speaking at the signing ceremony, described the agreement as a “milestone in bringing transformations to the country” and a blueprint for guiding future governance reforms.
In a major political development, Nepal’s interim government and leaders of the Gen Z movement have signed a comprehensive 10-point agreement aimed at addressing demands for deep structural reforms and recognising the September youth uprising as a legitimate national movement. The accord, signed at Singha Durbar on Wednesday, comes three months after mass protests shook the country and led to the ouster of the previous government.
A Historic Accord
Prime Minister Sushila Karki, speaking at the signing ceremony, described the agreement as a “milestone in bringing transformations to the country” and a blueprint for guiding future governance reforms. The document, signed by Karki on behalf of the government and Bhoj Bikram Thapa representing families of martyrs and the injured from the Gen Z movement, encapsulates a series of commitments touching on constitutional amendment, electoral reform, justice processes and governance overhaul.
The pact formally recognises the September Gen Z movement as a “Jana Andolan” – a people’s movement – placing it alongside the historic uprisings of 1990 and 2006 in Nepal’s political narrative. For the first time, a digital-led protest driven by social media mobilisation, youth activism and cultural expression has been accorded such recognition.
Alongside Karki and Thapa, senior government officials, ministers, and several Gen Z leaders attended the ceremony. However, not all voices within the Gen Z cohort supported the agreement, with protests breaking out immediately after the signing. Some activists argued the pact fell short of capturing the movement’s core spirit and broader aspirations.
From Electoral Reform to Institutional Change
The 10-point pact outlines several substantive reforms aimed at addressing long-standing grievances that fuelled the youth protests. Central to the agreement is the commitment to electoral reform and constitutional review. A task force or high-level commission will be established to recommend changes to the Constitution and overhaul the electoral system, including provisions for introducing the ‘None of the Above’ (NOTA) option on ballots.
Compensation, rehabilitation and social support for the families of those killed and injured during the September protests are also highlighted. The pact calls for interim relief, free health treatment, education opportunities, employment support and social security benefits for affected families, reflecting a broad social welfare component.
The agreement further mandates the creation of an independent investigation mechanism to probe alleged human rights violations and use of excessive force by security agencies during the protests. If activists or their representatives allege that individuals were prosecuted solely for participating in the movement, the commission is tasked with investigating those claims and recommending release or withdrawal of charges where appropriate.
In line with demands for greater transparency and institutional accountability, the pact emphasizes anti-corruption measures and the dismantling of partisan influence in public institutions. A high-level commission will examine political, policy and institutional corruption, with recommendations for legal and policy reforms to strengthen autonomy and merit-based appointments in government bodies.
Another significant provision includes reforms to the judiciary and constitutional bodies to enhance independence and ensure youth representation. The pact also outlines measures to reform public administration, decentralise governance, and promote inclusive participation in state functions.
Additional commitments include guaranteeing voting rights for temporary residents and overseas Nepalis, a key demand among youth activists seeking greater inclusivity in Nepal’s democratic processes.
Mixed Responses: Support and Dissent Within Gen Z Ranks
Despite the historic nature of the accord, reactions among Gen Z activists have been mixed. While senior figures such as Purushottam Yadav, Sudan Gurung, Rakshya Bam, Tashi Lhazom, and Bhawana Raut attended and endorsed the signing, a section of the movement vocally rejected the agreement. Some protesters tore up copies of the document outside the Prime Minister’s Office, claiming it failed to reflect the spirit and demands of the September uprising.
Ajay Soraadi, a prominent figure from Gen Z Movement Nepal, was among those who disowned the pact, escalating tensions during and after the ceremony. Another Gen Z leader, Miraj Dhungana, also condemned the agreement later in the evening, underscoring the rift within the movement’s ranks over strategy and engagement with the political establishment.
Prime Minister Karki, for her part, appealed for unity and youth leadership in governance. In a symbolic gesture, she referred to some Gen Z representatives as her “children,” a remark that drew both praise and criticism from different segments of youth activists.
Analysts say the pact represents a crucial step toward institutionalising the protests’ demands within the state framework, even as negotiations over implementation and broader political reforms continue. With free, fair and peaceful elections scheduled for March 5, the agreement’s success will be tested in the coming months as Nepal navigates a transformative and potentially turbulent political chapter.
