by Som Niroula

Last September’s Gen Z movement in Nepal brought a positive hope through the successful elections. One of the mandates of the Gen Z movement was to conduct a general election on 5^th March 2026, and it has been successfully conducted. The total voter turnout was estimated to be at 60 per cent, which is considered the lowest turnout compared to earlier elections. 

In total 3406 candidates contested 165 seats in the direct elections, while 1270 candidates contested 110 seats in the proportional elections: 68 parties participated in the elections. 

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) led by Rabi Lamichane won the majority securing about 182 seats out of 275 seats in the House of Representatives. This reflected the deep level of frustration among the youth and public. The agenda of ending corruption and impunity, creating jobs for the youth and digital freedom placed the RSP in this historic place. It is interesting that 54 parliament members are under the age of 40 years which shows a generational shift. 

The overall inclusion of minorities such as Indigenous people, caste groups (Dalits), as well as women remains quite low in direct elections. The political parties fulfilled the constitutional requirement of 33 percent representation of women in Parliament. The total women representation is 96 members which comes to 34. 90 per cent. However, Political parties remain closed and reluctant when it comes to genuine inclusion.

In the direct election, there were 243 Dalit candidates from political parties and as independent candidates. Out of the 243, only one seat was won. The parties do not provide candidates for Dalits and marginalized communities, which limits their chances of getting elected. In addition, it is difficult for marginalized communities to raise funds and resources for mobilization. 

As per the 2021 census data, Dalits constitute about 13.4 percent of the total population, but they have 17 members in Parliament, which is about 6.18 percent. This shows the lower representation of Dalits in Parliament. Article 40(1) of the Constitution of Nepal guarantees the right of the Dalit community to participate in all state bodies based on the principle of proportional inclusion. Furthermore, Clause (7) of the same article provides that the benefits under this article shall be distributed in a proportional, inclusive, and equitable manner among all groups within the Dalit community. Activists among Dalits are also raising questions about inclusion among diverse Dalit caste groups.

Civil society and rights advocates need to work to ensure the inclusion and meaningful participation of minorities in the future. Political parties and the government are merely fulfilling constitutional obligations without realizing the true spirit of inclusion and participation that can make society better in the future.