[23] REBOOTING DEMOCRACY IN NEPAL: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE TRANSITION FROM JAN ANDOLAN MOBILISATION TO GEN Z-LED DIGITAL POLITICAL REVOLUTION
How to Cite: Shinoj S (2026). Rebooting Democracy in Nepal: An Analytical Study of the Transition from Jan Andolan Mobilisation to Gen Z-Led Digital Political Revolution. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews. 5(1). 234-258.
Abstract
The democratic evolution of Nepal has been characterized by recurring cycles of mobilisation, constitution-making and elitecentred governance which has drawn popular frustration. The transition from Jan Andolan-era street mobilization to a digital political revolution led by Gen Z, sparked in 2025 by social media restrictions, corruption, joblessness and distrust of established parties, is under the scanner in the present paper. The study, based on a mixed-method secondary-data design, employs a historicalcomparative analysis and a trend analysis of internet penetration, social media user identities, selected electoral indicators, Freedom House scores and qualitative evidence from verified institutional and media sources. Nepal’s democratic mobilization has undergone three broad phases, according to the paper: street-based democratic resistance, post-republican institutional consolidation and platform based democratic disruption. According to the findings, the internet penetration increased from 35.0% in 2020 to 55.8% in 2025. Furthermore, the identity of social media users increased from 10.0 million to 14.3 million during this period. However, the analysis warns us not to think that the growth of the digital is, in itself, a democratic deepening. Gen Z mobilization 2025 showcased rapid agenda-setting, decentralized coordination, and robust anti-corruption symbolism. However, it also revealed risks from misinformation, weak representation, state repression, and fragile negotiations with institutions. The study concludes that if we relate digital activism with constitutionalism, civil education, youth inclusion, accountable public institutions and platform governance respecting citizen rights, then digital activism can reboot democracy in Nepal.
