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Firstly, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly appointed Prime Minister, Sushila Karki. Sushila Kari’s  appointment is not only historic but also deeply personal to me. Having worked alongside her in the legal fraternity, I have witnessed her journey up close—first as a lawyer, then as a judge, justice and eventually as the chief justice of Nepal. Our paths have often crossed in the Bar and Bench, where we shared the common pursuit of justice and fairness.

Beyond the professional sphere, there is also a sense of cultural and social affinity. Our birthplaces lie close to each other, and we were shaped by similar traditions and values. That shared background makes this moment even more meaningful to me. It gives me great satisfaction to see someone I once knew as a fellow lawyer, and later admired as the country’s first woman chief justice, now take on the mantle of interim prime minister.

However, with this happiness also comes responsibility. At this critical juncture, I feel it is important to share a few suggestions with her—drawn not only from my professional experience but also from my hopes for the nation.

Her appointment has come at a particularly critical moment in our national history. As someone who has spent her entire career interpreting, upholding, and shaping the law, Karki herself is the foremost authority on whether her elevation to the post of interim prime minister aligns with constitutional principles. She is not just a student of the law; she has been its interpreter, guardian, and defender. In that sense, there is little need for anyone else to lecture her on constitutional validity—she knows it better than most of us.

What is equally important is the response her appointment has received beyond our borders. Within hours of the announcement, messages of congratulations poured in from the United Nations, from our neighbor India—the world’s largest democracy—and from other nations. Such swift recognition is not just diplomatic formality; it is, in fact, an international endorsement of her leadership at a delicate time. This in itself is a powerful signal: the world is watching Nepal closely, and it stands ready to support her stewardship of the country in this transitional phase.

Yet, in my view, much of this international endorsement was less about constitutional propriety and more about symbolism. The world welcomed the fact that Nepal, for the first time in its history, has a woman prime minister. Beyond that symbolic achievement, however, the path to her appointment was far from the ideal parliamentary process. It was not the outcome of a broad democratic consensus but rather the product of pressure from a handful of immature and violent youths who, in the name of revolution, took to vandalizing public and private property, and even attacking politicians and their homes.

What disturbed me even more was the conspicuous silence of the security forces. The Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and even the Nepali Army—institutions entrusted with upholding law and order—stood by as these mobs unleashed violence. Their inaction gave the impression that even our security apparatuses had grown weary of the political class and, perhaps out of frustration, chose not to intervene much. This tacit disengagement raised troubling questions about the health of both our democracy and our institutions at a moment when the country desperately needed stability and restraint.

I may be wrong in my assessment, but those of us who understand the rule of law—the intellects, the thinkers and the practitioners—must not hesitate to speak the truth. Silence in the face of irregularities only allows society, leadership and government to stray from the right path.

With that in mind, my foremost suggestion to the interim prime minister is to actively engage in dialogue with the existing political parties, at least those represented in parliament. She must seek their acknowledgment of her leadership and, wherever possible, include members with clean reputations from these parties in her cabinet. Such inclusion is not a concession; it is a strategic necessity. Acceptance from these parties will be crucial for her governance, for building stability and for preparing the ground for upcoming parliamentary elections. Creating an environment of confidence among all stakeholders should be her priority, and the composition of her cabinet should reflect that goal—bringing in those who can genuinely facilitate dialogue, cooperation and a forward-looking political atmosphere.

It is equally important that the interim prime minister exercise discretion in selecting her ministers. She must avoid appointing populists or those who have become “heroes” overnight through social media. Expressing opinions online for popularity is one thing; offering sound advice and contributing to effective governance is quite another. For meaningful progress, the cabinet should consist of well-educated and experienced individuals capable of guiding the leadership with wisdom and foresight. By doing so, she can set a powerful precedent—stabilizing the country and restoring the standards of good governance.

Her focus must extend beyond political symbolism. She should prioritize solutions that strengthen peace and security, promote transparent and effective governance, combat corruption, and ensure free, fair and timely elections. These steps are essential not only for preserving the constitution but also for safeguarding the democratic framework and the future of our nation.

The author is a member of the Supreme Court Bar and has been practicing corporate law for around three decades

“For someone who believed that change in Nepal was impossible, this moment feels like a victory,” says 22-year-old Anish Maharjan, reflecting on the recent GenZ-led protests. 

Despite all the destruction and devastation, he is optimistic about the future. There was a time when Maharjan had lost all hope for the country. That all changed when the youth-led protests on Sept 8–9 brought the old political parties to their knees. 

The movement gained momentum with the appointment of Sushila Karki as the 42nd Prime Minister, sparking fresh hope for progress. “We are hoping for a country where merit is prioritized over nepotism, where living feels like a blessing, not a forced choice”, adds 20-year-old Seejal Rai from Kathmandu. 

She explains that youth frustration stems from a corrupt system that has failed to meet even basic needs. “From corruption to unemployment to political instability, there are many problems in this country. No wonder young people are concerned about their future.” 

On Sept 8, thousands of youths took to the streets across Nepal against the corrupt system. The demonstration escalated after security personnel gunned down dozens of protesters. “We want to make Nepal better,” says 18-year-old Uttam Pariyar, who joined the protests on Sept 8 and 9.

The wave of protest even reached abroad. Amar Lama, who is currently in Australia, describes his conflicting emotions. “The news about young people dying in protests shattered my heart. Now with the new government in place, I hope things will get better.” If opportunities existed at home, Lama says many youths like him would be in their own country.  

Psychologist Gopal Dhakal at MARC Nepal says the GenZ protests were the culmination of pent-up frustration and resentment against the corrupt political leaders. “Most people today seek fairness, equal opportunities, and a society free of corruption. When these things are denied, they will protest,” he adds.
The two-day protests were marked by violence, vandalism, and arson. Government buildings, police stations and private homes of politicians across the country were set alight; there were prison riots and lootings; and security personnel were overrun by angry mobs, forcing them to run for cover.

“On the afternoon of Sept 9, all I could hear was the sound of gunfire, with black columns of smoke rising in the sky,” says 23-year-old Sima Maharjan, who lives in the Baneshwar area. For others the horror of the protests came online. Asmita Bhujel recalls being shocked at the images and videos of young protesters who were shot by police. “It was too much to bear. I couldn’t find peace,” she says.

Psychologist Dhakal says such a situation can intensify anxiety and stress. “The barrage of misinformation on social media made matters worse.” 

Meanwhile, widespread destruction of businesses and office buildings have left many people jobless. Dhakal warns this could lead to further hopelessness and mental health issues.  

While social movements can indeed be transformative and bring the masses together, Dhakal says it is crucial to keep this unity intact for realizing the much-needed reforms and changes. “The protests have lit the spark, now everybody must channel their energy toward building a better country.”  

Shiva Raj Shrestha, who was part of the GenZ protests, says every honest, hard-working Nepali wanted this change. “I believe every generation aspired to see this change, and it was made possible through the collective effort of youth.” 

President Ramchandra Paudel has issued an ordinance amending the Voter Registration Act 2016, creating the way for the resumption of voter list compilation ahead of the elections for the House of Representatives.

The law removes legal obstacles that previously barred eligible but unregistered citizens from enrolling to vote. Following the amendment, the Election Commission (EC) is expected to announce a new timeline for voter registration. “After the issuance of the ordinance, the way has been opened for the compilation of the list of those who are eligible to vote according to the law. The Election Commission will take the necessary decision for that,” said Suman Ghimire, information officer at the Election Commission.

The amendment specifically targets Section 4, Subsection 2(2) of the Voter Registration Act, which had prevented new voter registrations during the pre-election period. “Without this change, many would have been unable to vote for the leader of their choice, which could have serious consequences on election day,” said Pradip Kumar Koirala, spokesperson for the Office of the President.

The decision is followed by  high-level discussions between President Paudel and Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki at Sheetal Niwas on Wednesday, where they reviewed the political situation, election security, and logistical preparations.

The urgency behind the ordinance appears to be influenced by the dramatic turn of events during the GenZ-led anti-corruption protests on Sept 8 and 9. What began as a peaceful youth movement against systemic corruption, prolonged political stagnation and restrictions on free speech escalated sharply—especially after the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid mounting pressure. 

The protests, initially peaceful, spiraled into violence, leaving over 70 people dead and amplifying public calls for electoral reforms and broader democratic participation. Against this backdrop, the swift reactivation of voter registration is being seen as a critical step toward addressing public demands for political accountability and change.

Soon after, on Sept 12, the interim government was formed with Sushila Karki as an interim prime minister and the election was set to happen on 5 March 2026 handing her all the work to the new elected leader. As the election was already set to happen, many young people were not aware. The change was from the young people and for them, however, a major issue surfaced: many young people—especially first-time voters—were unaware that once an election date is officially announced, voter registration is no longer permitted.  The problem arose here. Section 4, subsection 2 (2) of the Voter Registration Act, 2016, stipulates, “No person shall be registered in the voters’ list for the purpose of an election after the date of that election has been declared.”

On Sept 15, newly-appointed Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal announced that the government would offer a final opportunity for eligible citizens—including those previously left out—to register to vote. He also stated that the government plans to initiate the process for granting voting rights to Nepalis living abroad.

This legal barrier meant that only those who were already registered—mostly older generations—would be eligible to vote. According to the Election Commission’s provided report, 18,148,654 voters are listed for voting as of mid April–2024. In this, 8,410,896 were women, 9,267,572 were men and 186 denoted others.

Aayush Shakya, 30, who has been voting for years said that GenZ is doing a great job, but it’s important to be genuine about the intentions behind the movement. This shouldn’t be about supporting political parties or pushing certain names forward—it should simply be about being Nepali and working for the betterment of Nepal. Only when the country progresses will everything else—like opportunities, governance, and daily life—get better.

He explained, “That’s the mindset we all need to adopt. Even those who already have voter cards must understand this: it’s not about parties, money or short-term benefits like food or alcohol. If people truly thought about the long-term future of the country instead of personal gain, we would already be seeing real change. Now is the time to focus on the nation itself, not on who leads it. Because in the end, it doesn’t matter who’s in power if we the people don’t think and act for Nepal first.”

Bikram Shah, (name changed) 28, from Pokhara said, I had heard that once the election date was announced, voter registration wasn’t allowed—but now the government has made the bold decision by giving the opportunity to register our name and I fully support the current decision to reopen registration. This protest was led by GenZ, the younger generation, and many of them may not have registered to vote yet.”

He said that this is their chance to get their voter IDs and the voting can be the way to make that change real. Shah said, “All the sacrifices and bloodshed must lead the country toward something better and more hopeful. Honestly, I don’t believe that older voters—who have consistently voted for their so-called favorite leaders—will easily change their minds,” he added, “many older voters remain loyal to certain parties or leaders because of habit, community ties, pressure, small bribes or the belief that these leaders will be useful to them in the future. However, if the younger generation keeps pushing for accountability and continues to raise real, meaningful issues, it might eventually make them rethink their choices.” 

Shah said, “Change always takes time, but the momentum created by youth activism can slowly influence even the most stubborn voting patterns. The movement will bring change—just not overnight. It’s a process, but we’re on the right path.”

Swikriti K.C, 19, is excited to make a voter ID and vote for her leader by herself for the first time. She shared, “Looking at the current situation, I honestly think that if things go fairly, the results will be in favor of the youth. But at the same time, we all know how easily people in Nepal can be influenced—which makes us worried that some might fall for the same old tricks and end up making the wrong decision again.”

K.C added: If most GenZ citizens had their voter cards and made decisions based on proper information, I’m confident the results would lean toward real change. But sadly, many of us still don’t have our voter cards. That’s why it’s so important to spread awareness and make sure this information actually reaches those who need it. Because if we don’t, the same old “jhole gang” (party loyalists) will do what they always do—manipulate the system for their benefit.”

Alish Gurung, 24 said, “I am feeling amazing with the news that I will be making a voter card and now I realized the importance of the card too. In the past, many people—especially from the middle class—would vote for whichever party or leader offered them the most benefit, whether that was money, power or mere promises. Even those who already had voter cards would often vote based on who gave them something, not necessarily who was best for the country” he added,  “but now, seeing the recent GenZ protests, it feels like that mindset might finally be starting to change. People are beginning to realize how important it is to choose a strong and capable Prime Minister—because if the government isn’t stable, the country will always lag behind.”

Gurung highlighted: After witnessing all of this, I feel that the prevailing mindset may change. At the same time, it’s also true that GenZ never really had a chance to vote for the old leaders—we didn’t help elect them, but we’re still facing the consequences of their leadership. The hard part now is figuring out which leader is actually good for us and who isn’t. With so much news floating around online—and no way to verify what’s true and what’s fake—it’s hard to make a confident decision.

As a citizen of Nepal, I hope that under the leadership of Mahabir Pun, our newly appointed Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, we will see a positive transformation in the education sector. The younger generation, especially GenZ, has started taking a new direction for the development of the country, and this moment feels like the right time for change. Our nation faces countless problems, and corruption has become one of the biggest obstacles in every field. It continues to drag us backward, weakening the foundation of our society. Yet, with this new leadership, many of us dream of a Nepal that is more developed, fair, and free from such practices.

In the context of Nepal, education has sadly become one of the most corrupt sectors. The government of Nepal recently announced a budget of Rs 18.6trn for the fiscal year 2024/25, which is 6.2 percent more than the previous year and 21.56 percent higher than the revised budget. While the government’s increasing investment in education is positive, the reality is that these funds are rarely utilized properly. A large share of top private boarding schools and colleges in Nepal are owned or influenced by major political parties, and instead of prioritizing students, many of these institutions have turned into profit-making machines. Education, which should be a public service and a means of building the future of the country, has been treated as a business. My suggestion to Pun is clear: education must be made free from politics and corruption.

In Nepal, the cost of education has become unbearable for many parents. Fees continue to climb unchecked, while government monitoring and regulation remain weak or ineffective. The gap between private and government schools continues to widen, with very little effort to bridge it. Today, private schools and Montessori centers have appeared on almost every street corner. Children as young as two years old are being pressured into formal schooling, even though international practice clearly recommends that formal education should begin at the age of five. I have personally experienced this issue. When my son was only two, I visited some schools for future planning, and I was shocked to receive continuous calls and pressure from those institutions to admit him. This is one small example of how unregulated our education system has become.

During my visits, I once went to a government school that had good infrastructure and facilities. They told me that my child was too young and advised me to bring him back when he was older. I was impressed by this sense of responsibility and honesty, and I left that school feeling hopeful. Unfortunately, I could not admit my son there the following year because the school was too far from my home, and I did not have time to manage daily travel for pick-up and drop-off. This shows how even when government schools are good, practical challenges prevent many parents from choosing them. The government must work to promote and strengthen public schools, making them not just affordable but also accessible to families across the country. 

Another serious problem lies in the unfair fee structures of private schools and colleges. In many institutions, children within the same classroom are charged different fees based on discounts, personal connections, or family background. This practice is neither fair nor just. Although Nepal has officially declared free education at the basic level, the truth is that very few children actually benefit from it. One way to improve accountability and standards in government schools would be to make it compulsory for government employees to send their children to public schools. This would ensure that those who design education policies are equally invested in their quality and outcomes.

In our country, there is a widespread but wrong perception that choosing a government school is not a good decision. Many people believe that government schools and colleges do not provide a proper learning environment, which is a misconception. In reality, studying in government schools and colleges should be seen as a matter of pride.

Of course, in certain technical fields of higher education—such as medicine, engineering, and nursing—specialized institutions may play an important role. But overall, there is no supportive environment that encourages parents to enroll their children in government schools. Ironically, while people want government jobs, they hesitate to send their children to government schools. This contradiction reflects the urgent need to improve the quality, trust, and dignity of public education in Nepal.

Beyond cost and regulation, the physical environment of schools must also be addressed. Many government schools and colleges have large compounds and spacious buildings but suffer from poor hygiene and maintenance. Toilets are often dirty, drinking water is unsafe, and waste management is neglected. These conditions discourage regular attendance and make it especially difficult for girls to continue their education during menstruation. A safe, clean, and dignified environment is just as important as quality teaching. Without this, education cannot flourish.

Pun has long been a symbol of innovation, dedication, and social reform in Nepal. His contributions in the field of science and technology have inspired the entire nation. Now, as he takes on the responsibility of leading the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, there is a collective hope that he will focus on making education affordable, equitable, and inclusive. If corruption and profiteering in the education sector can be reduced, if public schools can be strengthened, and if the system can be made fairer and more accountable, then Nepal can move towards becoming a knowledge-driven nation.

I dream, dream of countless parents, that our children will one day have access to quality education at an affordable cost, free from political influence and corruption. Education should never be a burden for families—it should be a tool of empowerment, an equalizer of opportunity, and the foundation for a stronger Nepal. With strong leadership and honest reforms, this dream can become a reality.