A total of 3,406 candidates have filed nominations nationwide for the March 5 House of Representatives elections. Of these, 2,263 are affiliated with political parties, while 1,143 are running as independents.

One of the main demands of the Gen Z movement in September was a generational shift in politics. Many voters are curious about the age groups parties have nominated. However, a look at the candidate lists shows that older candidates still dominate the political landscape.

At the same time, the electorate is largely young. According to the 2021 census, youths make up 42.5 percent of Nepal’s population. The National Youth Policy 2015 defines youth as people aged 16–40. Out of the total population of 29,164,578, 12,412,173 fall into the youth category. This is an increase from 40.35 percent in 2011 to 42.56 percent in 2021.

The Election Commission reports that 18,903,689 voters are registered for the House of Representatives elections. Among them, 52 percent are aged 18–40. While the youth category begins at 16, only those 18 and older are eligible to vote under the Constitution.

Of the 3,406 candidates, 1,056 are aged 25–40, 1,925 are 41–60, and 425 are over 60.

Older candidates dominate traditional parties

Despite the Gen Z movement, established parties show little generational shift. Parties like the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and the Nepali Communist Party appear to prioritise older candidates when distributing tickets.

Among Congress’s 165 candidates, only seven are under 40. The youngest is 32-year-old Yogesh Gauchan Thakali from Mustang, while 33-year-old Sachin Timalsena is in the election race from Kathmandu-4. Nearly one-third of Congress candidates (55 individuals) are over 60, with the oldest being 77-year-old Tek Prasad Gurung from Chitwan-3. Congress has 32 candidates aged 40–50 and 71 candidates aged 50–60.

The UML shows a similar pattern. Of its 164 candidates, 54 (about 33 percent) are over 60. The youngest UML candidate is 27-year-old Amanish Kumar Yadav from Sarlahi-4, while the oldest is 78-year-old Jalim Miya Mansuri from Parsa-4. Only 12 UML candidates are under 40, 32 are 40–50, and 66 are 50–60.

Among 164 NCP candidates, only 13 are under 40. The youngest is 27-year-old Ajay Kushwaha from Bara-4. The oldest, Mahendra Rai Yadav from Sarlahi-2, is 88. Thirty-nine NPC candidates are over 60.

In the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSP-N), of 94 candidates, 11 are under 40, 39 are 40–50, 27 are 50–60, and 17 are over 60.

Youth representation in new parties

Newer parties, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), have given young candidates a more prominent role. Of RSP’s 163 candidates, nearly 40 percent are under 40, including 12 under 30 and 53 aged 30–40. Additionally, 50 candidates are 40–50, 46 are 50–60, and only three are over 60.In the Ujyalo Nepal Party, 40 of 105 candidates are under 40, 29 are 40–50, 27 are 50–60, and nine are over 60.

In the Sharm Sankriti Party, led by Harka Sampang, 35 of 109 candidates are under 40. The youngest candidate is 26-year-old Pankaj Kumar Thakur from Siraha-4. Six candidates are over 60, with the oldest being a 74-year-old Man Bahadur Bairag from Bardiya-2.

Gradual transformation in parties

Observers say it is unrealistic to completely exclude older politicians. “The Gen Z movement emerged because those in power failed to deliver. Decisions follow circumstances and psychology,” says observer Jhalak Subedi. “But this does not mean older candidates should be barred. Some transformation has taken place, though not fully. Parties have introduced new faces as candidates, which is positive. UML still shows some resistance, but Congress and NCP show significant change.”

Demographer Bidhan Acharya notes that mature representatives are needed. “Politics is about policy-making. Age-based quotas for representation are not always appropriate. Transformation is necessary, but youth should focus on policy implementation rather than strict representation,” he says.

Political observer Sucheta Pyakurel sees cautious optimism. “The movement does not immediately bring transformation, and the required change has not fully happened. But parties have made efforts,” she said, citing Congress as an example where compromise in candidate selection allowed some new entrants.

Sociologist Sanjeev Uprety adds that repeated faces have declined. “Compared to previous elections, there are fairer candidates across age groups. This is a positive outcome of the Gen Z movement. While not complete, the transformation cannot be ignored,” he said.