Gen Z protesters express anger at the government they helped install

Young protesters in Nepal who helped bring an interim government to power say it has not delivered on promises of corruption accountability and many have returned to the streets; the government says it is preparing parliamentary elections for March 5.

Young Nepalis staged large protests beginning on Sept. 8 against a social media ban and alleged corruption, which escalated into nationwide demonstrations. Negotiations after the unrest resulted in the appointment of an interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, who pledged fresh parliamentary elections. Many participants now say the interim government has not delivered on promises of accountability or meaningful anti-corruption action. The administration says preparations are underway for elections on March 5 and that the security environment has improved. Current facts: - Large youth-led protests began on Sept. 8 over a social media ban and concerns about corruption. - Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki was appointed after negotiations and pledged to hold parliamentary elections. - Many protesters, including those injured in the earlier demonstrations, have resumed street actions saying key promises remain unfulfilled and calling for accountability. - The government reports it is preparing for elections on March 5, and an anti-graft agency has filed at least one corruption case that protesters say does not include major political figures. Summary: The protests led to a change in leadership but participants say core demands — including accountability and broader anti-corruption action — have not been met. The interim government says it will hold parliamentary elections on March 5. Whether those elections will address the protesters' wider demands is undetermined at this time.