While a section of Gen Z youths is demanding a directly elected executive head from the upcoming elections, Prime Minister Sushila Karki has clarified that changing the system of governance does not fall under her government’s mandate.

As the governance system can only be revised through an amendment to the Constitution of Nepal, she called for the necessary amendments—but only through a legitimate process.

“As the issues raised during the Gen Z movement including demands for constitutional amendments and a change in the system of governance fall outside the jurisdiction of the current interim government, I appeal to the youth and all citizens who support transformation to participate in the elections and pursue changes through constitutional means,” she added.

In her first address to the nation, Karki repeatedly mentioned that holding elections on the stipulated date of March 5, 2026 is the top priority of her interim government.

The country has a parliamentary system in which the prime minister is elected from among the members of the House of Representatives. The Constitution of Nepal needs to be revised to have a directly elected executive head. Only two-thirds majority of the federal parliament can amend the constitution to adopt the new system.

As there is no lower house at present, the statute can be revised only after the elections on March 5 next year. Constitutional experts and various civil society organisations have been warning against revising the constitution through an “illegitimate” process.

However, there is no uniformity in the position of Gen Z youths. While a section is demanding revision in the governance system before the March elections, others say only the new parliament should take decisions on constitution amendment.

“The prime minister has rightly said that this government cannot and should not be involved in revising the governance system. The new parliament will make the changes if necessary,” said Rakshya Bam, a Gen Z leader. “Investigation into the state atrocity in peaceful protests, reducing corruption and holding timely elections are the mandates of this government.”

Yujan Rajbhandari, another Gen Z leader, echoes Bam. “Trying to alter the constitution at this point will open Pandora’s box. It will give room for various interest groups to play and could lead the country to further conflict,” he said. “Any amendment to the constitution should be done only through a legitimate process.”

As demanded by agitators, Karki expressed her commitment to strict legal actions those responsible for the killings of youth protesters. Nineteen youths were killed and hundreds were injured on the first day of the Gen Z uprising on September 8.

The number of deceased has reached 74 while dozens of injured are still in hospitals. The government has already constituted a high-level mechanism led by a former Special Court chairperson to investigate the atrocities as well as destruction of state and private property.

In her address, the prime minister said that preparatory works have already commenced to make the election successful. Following an ordinance to revise the Voter Registration Act, the Election Commission, on Thursday, decided to resume voter registration targeting the upcoming elections. All eligible Nepali citizens can register in the voter list by mid-November.

“The Government of Nepal is in discussion with the Election Commission ON the possibility of allowing Nepali citizens living abroad for employment purposes to cast their votes from overseas,” she said. “I would like to call upon everyone to participate enthusiastically in the upcoming House of Representatives elections and to elect capable representatives.”

Stating that a six-month interim government formed to hold elections cannot meet all demands of the Gen Z movement, Karki added that her government will make sincere efforts to do as much as it can.

She further said that her government was committed to ensuring that citizens can access government services without facing harassment, unnecessary delays, or the need to pay bribes. We want to guarantee that services are provided promptly and respectfully by competent and responsible officials, she said.

Karki said that her government will work to reduce corruption, promote rule of law, and to ensure social justice.

“If there are any incidents of negligence, bargaining for services, delaying work, demanding bribes, causing unnecessary trouble or distress, or treating service recipients in a disrespectful manner, a complaint mechanism has been established,” she said.

Stating that the country is going through hard times, she urged all Nepalis to come together to safeguard the nation’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security. “In this critical time, I expect full support from all patriot Nepalis in helping the interim government under my leadership fulfill its responsibilities.”

She emphasised that the demands raised by Gen Z should be addressed within the framework of the current constitution, which upholds a federal democratic republic.

“We must work together to institutionalise the achievements gained through past movements, sacrifices, and struggles for a federal democratic republic, and to address the voices raised by the current Gen Z movement,” Karki said.