Nepal's Generation Z seeks to defeat the old guard in the upcoming elections: We want to see new faces'

"The protests forced the resignation of the then prime minister, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, and opened the door to change in this mountainous country of 30 million people after years of nepotism, corruption and a lack of opportunities for the younger generation. But few believe that meaningful change is on the cards, at least for now."

"Among the 3,000-odd member of parliament candidates hoping to fill the 275 seats in Congress, there are those who want to see the monarchy reinstated, while others come from the very same government that resigned after the protests, which erupted following the government ban on 26 social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp."

"Violence could erupt at any time, said Mahabir Pun during an interview with EL PAIS, adding that the security forces are prepared for any eventuality. Mahabir served for several months as education minister in the non-political interim government led by former chief justice, Sushila Karki after the September riots."

Nepal holds snap elections on March 5 after September protests by Gen Z forced Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli's resignation. The riots were triggered by government bans on social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Over 3,000 parliamentary candidates compete for 275 Congress seats, representing diverse agendas including monarchy reinstatement, continuation of the resigned government, and Gen Z demands for social justice and development. Former education minister Mahabir Pun, who served in the interim government led by former chief justice Sushila Karki, runs as an independent candidate. Despite hopes for change, observers remain skeptical about meaningful reform. Security forces prepare for potential violence as multiple factions with conflicting interests navigate the electoral process.

Read at english.elpais.com