The Gen Z movement redefined Nepal’s political reality. With former Chief Justice Sushila Karki becoming the prime minister, and the consequent dissolution of Parliament and pragmatic appointment of ministers, the aspirations of the youth who took to the streets during the Gen Z revolution seems to have been realised. But while there is now a respite from the endless cycle of corrupt and incompetent leaders taking turns to rule the country, the revolution is not over; in fact, it has just started.

The immediate agenda of overthrowing KP Sharma Oli has been realised. But the main goal of rooting out corruption and establishing accountable governance so that the country can march ahead on the path of peace and prosperity remains incomplete. Unless there is sustained pressure from the leaders of the Gen Z movement, there is a risk that the momentum towards this goal generated by the recent protests will stall.

The interim government would axe its own foot if it forgets, even for a moment, that it was the youth who brought it to power. For one, Prime Minister Sushila Karki must ensure adequate youth participation in the government by appointing capable young individuals as ministers and advisors while she expands her Cabinet. On the part of the old political parties—especially the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML and the CPN (Maoist Centre)—they would also be wise to heed the voice of the youth and the public at large. People have said with one voice that the leaderships of all three parties are outdated. It would be suicidal for these parties to go to the polls with their current leaderships intact. If they don’t change now, perhaps they cannot change and if so, they deserve to be sidelined.

Yet it is also upon members of Gen Z to make sure that the changes brought about through the sacrifice of young blood are nurtured. Members of this generation were often thought of as politically aloof and not concerned with the country’s fate. The Gen Z revolution has shown that the reality is far different: not only do members of this generation care about what is happening in their society and country; they are also ready to lay down their lives for it. But they must give continuity to the momentum of the revolution by closely monitoring the new government’s functioning and creatively intervening where necessary. This will entail their greater participation in politics, but it can also be done through active social engagement and campaigning for reforms. They are now a force to be reckoned with. If members of Gen Z again call for a protest, never again will others, including government representatives, dare take them lightly.

Holding a free and fair election is clearly the top mandate of the interim government. Yet even that might not be possible without active vigilance of the youths. As we are a young country, it is only fair that youths get a say in crafting its future. But, again, all those who hit the streets during the movement must be on their guard. They saw various kinds of injustices and chose to rebel against them. Gen Z has had a political awakening. This awakening must now be harnessed for the country’s good.