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

A month ago, Nepal marked the beginning of its new prime minister Balendra Shah, alongside a parliament dominated by young lawmakers. In contrast, Bangladeshi activist Umama Fatema watched with frustration as her nation’s youth movement continued to struggle for influence. Fatema was part of the thousands of Gen Z protesters in Bangladesh who forced a government change in 2024. Like their Nepalese peers, they ignited widespread unrest through bold demonstrations. Yet, nearly two years later, Bangladesh’s youth-driven efforts have not translated into significant political power. The first post-protest elections in February saw the established Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secure a historic majority, while the new youth-led National Citizens’ Party (NCP) – born from the student-led uprising – failed to make a meaningful mark.

Nepal, however, offered a striking contrast. Just a month after the February elections, the four-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) achieved a landslide victory, bringing young politicians into parliament and elevating Balendra Shah, who partnered with RSP, to leadership. This outcome stands out in Asia, where many Gen Z protest movements have emerged but few have gained political traction as Nepal’s did. “I felt disheartened,” Fatema admitted. “When I saw how effectively [the Nepalese youth] organized themselves, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed about our own situation. Bangladesh has not delivered the change we hoped for… it’s disheartening to realize we haven’t managed to rebuild our country the same way.”

Organizing Power and Public Resonance

Gen Z protests in Nepal resonated deeply with ordinary citizens, according to KP Khanal, an RSP candidate who won a seat in Kailali district. “The movement tapped into a long-standing frustration with how things have been run,” he explained. “The sacrifices and voices of Gen Z stayed with the public—they haven’t been forgotten.” This sustained engagement, coupled with consistent demands for accountability and justice, helped the movement evolve from a reaction to a credible force. “Consistency was key,” Khanal added. “We kept raising our voices, and over time, that message spread, making it feel like a genuine movement people wanted to support.”

Political Landscape and Strategic Alliances

Analysts highlight Nepal’s unique political environment as a factor in the RSP’s success. The country’s electoral system, designed to favor coalition governments, has long prevented any single party from holding majority power. Over 17 years, Nepal shifted through 14 administrations, with established parties and politicians cycling in and out of power, a process critics called political musical chairs. This instability allowed the Gen Z protests to target the existing power structure, making the RSP—a newer, youth-centric party—appear more appealing. “Since all three established parties were discredited, the main beneficiary was the youthful RSP and its leader,” said Nitasha Kaul, director of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the University of Westminster.

The alliance between Balendra Shah and the RSP, along with many youth activists joining the party, amplified their reach. This partnership helped the RSP overcome internal controversies, such as accusations against its leader, Rabi Lamichhane. By aligning with Shah, a charismatic but unaffiliated figure, the party gained public support. “In South Asia, where party organization is crucial, a youth-led party would need to build a strong structure before achieving electoral success,” noted Nepalese political analyst Amish Mulmi. This challenge was evident in Purushottam Suprabhat Yadav’s decision to avoid forming a new party immediately. “Winning an election isn’t a joke,” Yadav said. “Organizing a movement and succeeding in an election are two different things.”