Kathmandu: Nepal is preparing for general elections on March 5, yet the nation's Gen Z youth remain skeptical, with many continuing to seek opportunities abroad following protests against social inequality.
According to Thai News Agency, the dissatisfaction among young people culminated in nationwide protests over economic and social conditions. The government's decision to block over 20 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube, was a tipping point, leading Gen Z to protest on September 8, 2015, against government corruption and unemployment. The protests resulted in the cabinet's resignation and reported 76 deaths and over 2,000 injuries over five days.
Nepal's youth unemployment rate is currently 20.6 percent, the highest in South and Southeast Asia, as reported by the World Bank. Approximately 3 million Nepalese, mainly Gen Z, are working abroad, with 1,500 leaving daily due to political instability and poor job conditions. This exodus has left many villages with only children and the elderly.
The upcoming election has failed to capture the interest of many young Nepalese, who see no improvement in their financial situations through voting. One 21-year-old is preparing for work in the UAE, while a 31-year-old plans to move to Romania for employment after returning from Dubai due to poor conditions. Both express disinterest in the election, citing economic burdens and the high cost of living as their priorities.
With nearly 19 million eligible voters, including 1 million first-time voters, 65 political parties are competing for 275 parliamentary seats. These parties are campaigning on promises to reduce migrant labor and create job opportunities. The Nepali Congress has pledged 1.5 million new jobs, while the RSP party promises 1.2 million. However, young voters remain skeptical, blaming politicians for the country's lack of development and economic instability.
An economist and former central bank official criticized the focus on the service sector over agriculture, leading to an employment crisis. The World Bank highlighted structural challenges in Nepal's industry, such as policy volatility and inadequate infrastructure. Despite increased remittances, job creation and productivity remain stagnant.
In the last fiscal year, remittances reached 1.44 trillion rupees, accounting for nearly a quarter of Nepal's $42 billion economy. However, the service sector dominates, while over 60 percent of the population works in agriculture.
The lack of trust in politicians has left many Nepalese, particularly the youth, disillusioned with the electoral process, as they continue to struggle with low wages and economic challenges.