In early September, Nepal’s streets were alive with chants, placards, and the determination of young people. Gen Z, fed up with corruption and broken promises, led protests that shook the government to its core. The demonstrations turned deadly, costing dozens of young lives, and in the end, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down. Into the void stepped former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, chosen to head an interim government tasked with guiding the country out of crisis, marking the beginning of a new chapter.

Now, the question many ask is: what happens next?

The constitution lays out the interim government’s role clearly. It cannot create sweeping new laws or cling to power. Its job is to stabilize the country, rebuild trust, and prepare for fresh elections. That means keeping public services running, ensuring law and order, and making sure citizens feel safe after weeks of unrest. Most importantly, the interim administration is expected to begin investigations into the deaths during the protests and reopen corruption cases that had been shelved for years. For young protesters demanding justice, this accountability is the first test of whether change is real.

Next comes the election process. Under Nepal’s constitution, elections must be held within a set timeframe once an interim government is in place. Early general elections are expected to be held in Nepal on 5 March 2026 to elect the 275 members of the House of Representatives as announced on 12 September 2025 by the President of Nepal, on the recommendation of the Interim Government. The Election Commission will oversee the process, from updating voter lists to monitoring campaigns, with the goal of guaranteeing free and fair voting. Independent observers, the media, and civil society will all play a role in making sure the people’s voices are genuinely heard.

Legal experts note that the interim government may also introduce short-term amendments or emergency measures, but all steps must remain within the constitutional framework. This ensures that when elections are eventually held, they carry legitimacy and reflect the will of the people. The army, judiciary, and civil service are expected to play supportive roles in maintaining stability until that point.

For the protesters, however, elections alone are not enough. They want transparency in how parties are funded, honesty from candidates, and serious anti-corruption reforms. If the interim government can ensure fair rules, and if the coming elections reflect the will of ordinary citizens, especially the youth, it could mark a turning point for Nepal’s democracy.

The protests began in anger and grief, but they have opened a door to possibility. By following the constitution, holding accountable elections, and tackling corruption head-on, Nepal now has a chance to answer its youth’s call for change, and to prove that democracy is not just about leaders in office, but about a people united in shaping their own future.