Nepal Plans Constitutional Amendments Following Gen-Z Protest Agreement

Nepal’s interim government has announced plans to amend the country’s constitution following a landmark 10-point agreement with Gen-Z leaders.

The reforms aim to ensure full proportional and inclusive representation based on population and introduce term limits for elected officials in key state positions, marking a major step toward political reform in the Himalayan nation.

The government will form a high-level ‘Constitution Amendment Recommendation Commission’ with independent experts and Gen-Z representatives participating.

The commission will submit recommendations for progressive constitutional change, reflecting the aspirations of the Gen-Z movement that toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led government, paving the way for the current administration under Sushila Karki.

Currently, Nepal employs a mixed electoral system combining first-past-the-post (FPTP) and proportional representation (PR), with 60 per cent of representatives elected via FPTP and 40 per cent through PR. The commission will review this framework and recommend reforms to ensure proportional representation for all communities.

Term limits are currently restricted to the president, vice-president, and local government chiefs. The proposed amendments will extend term restrictions to heads of government at federal, provincial, and local levels, as well as executive body members, capping service at two terms or a maximum of ten years.

Youth Representation and Age Reforms

The commission will also study lowering the minimum age for candidacy in the federal and provincial assemblies to 21 years, aligning with existing rules for local-level positions. This move aims to encourage youth participation and address frustrations that have fuelled repeated protests against long-standing political leadership.

To curb appointments based on political loyalty, the commission will propose reforms to the Constitutional Council and Judicial Council. The reforms aim to make state bodies function independently, prevent partisan interference, and guarantee youth representation.

Previous governments, including coalitions led by KP Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba, pledged reforms but failed to act, prompting widespread Gen-Z protests in September 2025. While the current administration has agreed to initiate constitutional amendments, the response of major political parties to these proposed changes remains uncertain.

The commission will shape Nepal’s political landscape with its recommendations and enhance governance, stability, and youth engagement in the country’s decision-making processes.

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