Youth constitute 42.5 percent of Nepal’s population, yet their representation in Parliament, government, and political parties is proportionately far less.

Old leaders dominate key positions, leaving little room for the next generation. This imbalance sparked widespread frustration, culminating in the Gen Z protests on September 8–9, which toppled the government and underscored the urgent need for youth leadership across all sectors.

According to the National Youth Policy 2015, people aged 16–40 are considered youth. Of Nepal’s total population of 29.16 million, 12.41 million are in this age group. Youth made up 40.35 percent of the population in 2011, rising to 42.56 percent in 2021. Youth voters also outnumber other age groups, comprising 52 percent of registered voters. However, only those aged 18 and above have voting rights under the Constitution, despite the broader definition of youth.

Youths remain underrepresented in political decision-making. In the dissolved House of Representatives, only 30 MPs were under 40, accounting for 11 percent of the 275-member house. Only individuals aged 25 and above can contest for the House of Representatives. There were just 30 MPs aged 25–40 in Parliament, while the majority of seats were dominated by older age groups.

A study by the Democracy Resource Centre shows the largest representation in the lower House (95 lawmakers) came from the 51–60 age group, which held 34.54 percent of seats, despite making up only 8 percent of the population. The 41–50 age group held 63 seats, the 61–70 age group 80 seats (29.1 percent), while there were 23 MPs above 70.

The dissolved House also saw the country’s key positions—including the prime minister, speaker, ministers, and parliamentary committee chairs—dominated by politicians aged 60–80. While youth representation is somewhat higher in provincial assemblies (20 percent) and local bodies (41.14 percent), it is insufficient. Legal provisions allow 21-year-olds to contest local elections, but the minimum age for provincial or federal candidacy remains 25.

Similarly, the National Assembly has a minimal presence of youth, as only individuals aged 35 and above can run for it. Of the 59-member assembly, 12 are over 70 years, 20 fall in the 60–70 age group, 19 are from the 50–60 age group, and eight are in the 40–50 age group.

Constitutional bodies also set high age thresholds for appointments, requiring candidates to be at least 45.

Researcher Nirashi Thami, involved in a Democracy Resource Centre study on youth participation, said Nepal’s youth are largely excluded from politics. “Laws and constitutional rules often block young people from participating fully in politics, and even when there are provisions to ensure their participation, they are not properly enforced. Parties talk about including youth, but in practice, they rarely give them real opportunities in leadership or candidate selection,” Thami said. Thami added that, despite their numbers, the abilities and potential of young people are largely wasted under the current system.

Political leadership is further dominated by repeated tenures of senior figures. Leaders such as 80-year-old Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, 73-year-old CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli, and 70-year-old CPN (Maoist Centre) chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal continue to occupy top positions, with younger generations blocked even at lower positions. Many leaders serve multiple terms as ministers, consolidating power and limiting opportunities for youth.

Youth activist and lawyer Anjalika Sinha criticised the entrenched political culture. “Corruption isn’t only about money—it’s also about the hunger for power. Old leaders dominate these positions, blocking fresh ideas from taking root,” she said, describing the relentless pursuit of authority as a form of power grab adventurism.

Two weeks after the protests, long-standing political leaders have shown no signs of relinquishing their position. Observers say party-level interventions and clear rules on term and age limits are necessary to allow youth leadership to emerge.

Despite the Gen Z protests, older leaders have shown no willingness to step aside for youth. If the next generation lacks the courage to challenge this, Thami warned, the same patterns will be repeated.

Senior political leaders tend to change party rules to suit their own interests. The CPN-UML statute once set an age limit of 70 for active political participation and barred anyone from serving more than two terms as party chair. Both provisions were later removed for Oli’s benefit.

In the Nepali Congress, the two-term limit for the party president still exists, and Deuba’s second term will end this December, but he has shown no sign of holding a general convention. Meanwhile, Pushpa Kamal Dahal has led the Maoist Centre continuously for 37 years.

Since the Madhesh movement in 2007, leaders of Madhesi parties, including Mahanta Thakur, Upendra Yadav, and Rajendra Mahato, have also shown no sign of transferring power. In the Janamat Party, six leaders, including vice presidents and spokespeople who had called for CK Raut to step down, ultimately had to leave the party.

Following the Gen Z protests, the House of Representatives was dissolved and a new election has been announced for March 5. But if senior leaders continue to cling to power and block youth participation, the age-profile of the new House will remain unchanged. If the Gen Z protests fail to bring fresh faces to Parliament, the very purpose of the movement will be called into question, observers say.

Former Chief Election Commissioner Bhojraj Pokharel warned that without change, frustration among Gen Z will only deepen. “The old leaders against whom the youth protested, are in a mood to cling to their positions. This creates a troubling situation,” he said. “If the generation grows more disillusioned, the country could face another crisis. We need to take a long-term perspective.”

The interim government should address the concerns of protesting youth and ensure their frustrations do not grow, Pokharel added.

While constitutional changes may not be feasible immediately, he said, election laws should be reformed in line with the movement’s demands. “The next House of Representatives cannot follow the same old route. We need to discuss ways to maximise youth representation,” he said. “Why not reserve half of party nominations for candidates under 40? Parties could manage this through internal rules, but if they show no willingness, it can be mandated by law.”

Pokharel warned that unless older generations step aside, youth will have little chance to gain leadership positions. If parties fail to prevent the same faces from contesting the next House of Representatives, citizens must step in, he said.

He suggested legally enforcing measures, including age and term limits, for parliamentary seats. “If the older generation won’t give up their positions voluntarily, it must be done by force,” the former chief election commissioner said. “There should be a legal bar preventing anyone over 65 from contesting parliamentary elections.”

Pokharel argued that Nepal already sets retirement ages for civil servants (58) and Supreme Court judges or constitutional body members (65). “Why should politicians be exempt? Similar age limits should apply,” he said. The Election Commission has repeatedly suggested such reforms, recommending that parliamentary and provincial candidates be at least graduates and below 65.

Bhutan has set a 25-65 age limit for candidacy in parliamentary elections. Canada sets a Senate age limit of 75. France has debated barring candidates over 70 since 2015.

Experts caution that while age limits are needed to open space for youth, the policy must balance experience and capability, considering senior politicians under 65 who have long contributed to politics.

Youth activist Sinha noted potential downsides: “Strict age limits could push out capable, experienced leaders too soon. You have to properly weigh the pros and cons of any measure.”

Researcher Thami stressed the urgency of opening political pathways for youth. “Politics shapes the nation. We must remove barriers and give youth opportunities and encouragement. That is also in keeping with the spirit of the times,” Thami said.