ASIA/NEPAL – Apostolic Administrator Fr. Bogati, one month before the vote: “Young people are protagonists of political life, they express hope and responsibility”

Kathmandu – The people of Nepal are called to the polls for parliamentary elections on March 5, five months after the street protests that triggered a political crisis, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Sharma Oli and the fall of the government. The protest, which had violent consequences and methods, such as the attack and burning of the Parliament building, was led by “Generation Z” youth and had the power to create space for new political forces to challenge the old parties and the political class that had long dominated the country.
Interviewed by Agenzia Fides, Fr. Silas Bogati, Apostolic Administrator of the Vicariate of Nepal, reports: “Currently, the situation appears to be stable; we are in a waiting phase while the transitional government prepares for the elections.” “In the election campaign, there is a lot of speculation, and the usual campaigns of the various parties and candidates are taking place. What is new is the emergence of parties that are an expression of the student movements, and the presence of new candidates on the political stage who, in the wake of the youth protests, are focusing on good governance and the fight against corruption,” he continues. “The leading role of young people is a striking element today compared to the past,” Father Bogati observes. “Young Nepalese are showing self-confidence and want to have an influence on the political, social, and economic life of the country. They want a new Nepal; they express hope and a sense of responsibility.” “This phenomenon is a good thing; the only important thing is that they choose non-violence as the path to realizing their ideals,” he emphasizes. “The elections will be the benchmark for the actual strength of the emerging movements led by young people,” he explains.
“As Catholics in Nepal , we support good governance and promote values such as integrity, peace, and fraternity. We pray for peaceful elections and that the political process will serve the common good of the nation,” concludes Father Bogati.
Following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sharma Oli, President Ramchandra Paudel appointed Judge Sushila Karki, former President of the Supreme Court, as interim prime minister on September 12, 2025. Since taking office, Karki has overseen the political transition, ended the violence, and announced new elections to be held after her term expires. Meanwhile, in light of the unrest in September, Nepal’s political landscape has been radically transformed. A record 120 parties are running in the election, including not only traditional parties but also lists of young candidates .
Nepal’s historically dominant Congress Party is fragmented but has attempted to revitalize its candidates and attract younger representatives, while the Maoist Center and the United Socialists have merged into a single bloc. Sudan Gurung, a student leader and coordinator of the 2025 protests, is running for the National Independence Party, founded in 2022. Amidst widespread of social tensions, the transitional government has deployed 340,000 police officers and soldiers “to ensure free, fair, and safe elections.” Security forces will monitor approximately 10,800 polling stations across 165 constituencies. This is also intended to prevent the risk of post-election unrest, particularly if the election results are perceived as a continuation of the pre-protest status quo.

Read original article