Generational Shift and the Appeal of New Political Forces in Nepalese Politics: An Analysis

Abstract

The main objective of the present study is to analyze the underlying causes and effects of the generational shift and the growing public attraction towards new political forces in contemporary Nepali politics. This research has identified the alternative political wave, created by ideological inertia and the crisis of good governance within the established parties, as the main academic problem. Adopting a qualitative method based on secondary sources, this research has conducted an in-depth documentary analysis of academic journals, government reports, and Election Commission data. In particular, examining the voting patterns in recent elections using interpretive and analytical methods confirms that gerontocracy, internal factionalism, and leadership indifference to the issues facing the younger generation within traditional parties are the primary factors behind the rise of new forces. In addition, the expansion of information technology and the critical consciousness developed among the educated youth appear to have added a new dimension to the political mainstream, challenging the status quo. The study interprets the current political transformation not only as a change in leadership but also as a decisive turning point for agenda-centric politics in Nepali democracy, highlighting the potential to pressure traditional parties toward internal democratization and a people-oriented working style.