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🇳🇵 Nepal /Elections & Politics

One year of visceral adrenaline rush

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Nepal experienced its deadliest unrest since the monarchy's fall a year ago, resulting in significant casualties and economic losses.
  • The subsequent election saw the Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, win a substantial majority, ousting traditional political elites.
  • While the initial surge of public energy offered a brief hope of national rebuilding, the movement's focus on what it opposed, rather than what should replace it, presents ongoing challenges.

A year ago, Nepal was engulfed in its most violent unrest since the end of the monarchy, a period that left 77 dead and caused an estimated $586 million in damages. Key government institutions, including Parliament and the Supreme Court, were damaged, and thousands of case files were lost. This upheaval led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Amidst this turmoil, Sushila Karki, a former chief justice, briefly served as Nepal's first female prime minister, guiding the nation toward elections. These elections, held on March 5, resulted in a political tsunami, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party, spearheaded by Balendra Shah, securing 182 out of 275 seats. This outcome signaled a decisive rejection of the established political order.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

— Charles DickensUsed to describe the tumultuous period in Nepal, referencing his novel 'A Tale of Two Cities'.

The initial months under the new government offered a glimmer of hope, with a palpable shift away from the old political guard. For many young Nepalis, the sentiment of 'Desh ta banaunu parchha' (we have to build this nation) briefly transformed from a mere slogan into a potential reality. This urge to stay and contribute, rather than emigrate, was seen as a positive outcome of the preceding unrest.

However, the movement that fueled this change was clearer about its grievances, corruption, nepotism, and censorship, than about its proposed solutions. The challenge now lies in translating the initial energy and desire for change into concrete actions and stable governance, moving beyond the visceral adrenaline rush toward sustainable nation-building.

Desh ta banaunu parchha

— Nepali youthMeaning 'we have to build this nation,' reflecting a sentiment of national responsibility that emerged after the unrest.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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