These days, when writer Kumar Nagarkoti isn’t writing or performing, he is busy meeting members of Generation Z—people born between 1996 and 2010—with one clear message: go out and vote in the March 5 election.

Celebrities, influencers and public figures stood shoulder to shoulder with activists during the September 8–9 protest launched by Gen Z, a movement that ultimately left 77 people dead and hundreds injured.

The protest was led by the young generation demanding change in the country, particularly in a system they see as deeply corrupt.

Decades of political “musical chair” has left Nepal’s political landscape in a state of constant instability.

Occupying the post of prime minister has, over the past decade, come to resemble a game of musical chairs, with most occupants—KP Sharma Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Sher Bahadur Deuba—making multiple stints in office.

Their fall was imminent.

“I have never been this hopeful,” Nagarkoti says energetically, a spring in his step.

He believes the moment is ripe to say “bye-bye” not only to old leaders but also to the old way of doing things. That belief prompted him, a few weeks ago, to take everyone in his family to the nearest voter ID registration centre and enlist themselves for the 2026 election.

But registering voters, he says, was not enough. As a public figure, he is now using his reach to encourage more people—especially young Nepalis—to participate in the election and help write a new chapter in the country’s political history.

“I also encourage other people to do the same,” he says.

Like Nagarkoti, many others are hopeful, but they are also mindful of Nepal’s long history of dramatic leadership changes that failed to translate into meaningful outcomes.

Palesha Goverdhan, Nepal’s first Paralympic medallist, says she is approaching the election with cautious optimism.

“My feelings are mixed,” says the 22-year-old athlete, who won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

“There’s a blend of familiar faces and new ones, which brings a sense of cautious hope alongside uncertainty. It’s natural to wonder whether this will lead to meaningful change or simply more of the same.”

Even so, she believes young Nepalis have a significant opportunity to choose leaders they genuinely believe can make a difference.

This election, she says, is a reminder that everyone deserves a chance to voice what they believe in, and that voting is a right that connects citizens to shaping a shared future, regardless of who ultimately wins.

Still, amid the noise and excitement, Goverdhan urges Gen Z voters to remain careful, to do their research and to understand the issues firsthand before casting their ballots.

Famed actor and director Deepak Raj Giri says that in moments like these, there is little option but to remain optimistic.

“In the past, we only had leadership changes and no systemic changes. But this time, with a change in leadership, I hope the system will change as well,” Giri says.

One of his main sources of optimism is the growing number of first-time voters. The Election Commission recently published the final voters’ list for the snap parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5.

According to the updated tally, there are 915,119 new voters registered after the 2022 elections.

Commenting on the recent “broad unity” deal between the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, Giri wrote on Facebook: “...after this partnership, let’s hope the country doesn’t have to look for other alternatives.”

Giri also cautions against focusing solely on new political forces.

“We shouldn’t only look at new power; we should also think about improving our bureaucracy,” he says. “Let’s hope the new power enters the system and makes changes from the root.”

Amid the optimism, singer Jhuma Limbu—known for iconic songs such as Kafle—voices scepticism, saying she doubts the election will even be held on time. She describes the country’s current political situation as “chaotic,” with a general sense of panic prevailing.

“By rushing and panicking, I am doubtful that going to the elections will be a smooth process,” she says. “With new parties and fresh alliances being formed on the eve of the election, we all seem a bit ill-prepared.”

Still, Limbu believes the emergence of new and young faces, along with the sidelining of old guards, is exactly what the country needs.

“I am not as energetic as I was 10 years ago, and I cannot do things as smoothly as I did when I was younger. Old politicians also need to realise this,” she says with a laugh, arguing that future governance should balance experience with the energy of youth.

Similarly, digital influencer Parakram Rana, who has been collaborating with credible platforms to share accurate election-related information, stresses that young voters must set emotions aside and approach March 5 with critical thinking.

“Many parties, including newer ones, will use rhetoric and sympathy-driven narratives to gain trust,” Rana says. “It is important to assess who appears genuinely prepared to lead and what their agendas are, rather than being swayed by powerful words alone.”

Director Nischal Basnet echoes this sentiment. In a Facebook post on December 26, he wrote: “...it is time to ask for plans, to look for the ability to work… do not choose someone just because they are ‘new’; measure their competence and capability as well.”

His remarks underline the idea that the mandate ultimately lies with the people, and that responsibility must be exercised carefully.

Basnet also warns against repeating past mistakes. “Let the wrong decisions we make today not cause suffering for future generations who are searching for a better tomorrow,” he says.

Despite his generally positive outlook, Rana admits he sometimes feels frustrated when familiar parties and leaders attempt to regain momentum despite past failures. For him, everything comes down to voters.

Seeing new leaders and parties gain support, he says, gives him confidence that Nepalis will vote thoughtfully and responsibly.

“Voting is a fundamental constitutional right. In a democracy, it is one of the most powerful tools we have to bring about the change the country urgently needs,” Rana says, noting that elections and voting are now being discussed everywhere, both online and offline, particularly among the youth.

This level of engagement—possibly unprecedented in Nepal—he believes is encouraging and offers hope for a more conscious, participatory future.