KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel has urged the “Gen Z” generation to make history by ensuring the success of the upcoming elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.

During a discussion at the President’s residence, Sheetal Niwas, with the Prime Minister, interim government ministers, and Gen Z activists today, he emphasized that the election should be seen as an opportunity.

President Paudel highlighted that the election was announced with the goal of giving a mandate to move forward and build a country according to the aspirations of the youth-led movement.

He urged that it should not be treated casually. “The new elections were declared so that the country the youth want—free from corruption, nepotism, favoritism, and bias, and led by capable people—can be realized,” he said. “Therefore, I urge the youth to approach this election as a historic campaign to reshape the nation, not just as a routine vote.”

President Paudel urged young people to take the lead in ensuring a strong House of Representatives.

“Through the elections, let the corrupt and criminals not win; let honest and capable people come to power. Then the country can move toward justice, good governance, and progress. Youths should no longer feel compelled to migrate abroad,” President said.

Although the President is not an executive under the Constitution and parliamentary system, he noted that he included Gen Z representatives in the discussion to honor the youth-led movement and that the government expressed commitment to addressing the remaining demands of the activists.

He further explained that the interim government was formed using the authority of the President embedded in the Constitution to promote national unity, recognizing the youth movement’s achievements in fighting corruption and promoting good governance.

He urged young people to approach the March 5 elections as the success of the movement.

President Paudel also cautioned youths to remain alert against those seeking to exploit the movement for personal gain.

Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki praised the President’s tireless overnight efforts to handle the country’s critical situation despite his age and health, calling his appeal to the youth emotional and heartfelt.

Karki described the President as a seasoned leader who has continuously fought for the nation and its people from a young age and urged citizens to take his words as the voice of conscience.

Gen Z representatives emphasized that their movement is for social and economic justice, against corruption and misgovernance, and not against the Constitution, democracy, federalism, or inclusivity.

They affirmed their commitment to ensuring complete and peaceful elections and stated that their demands must be met as recognition of the movement.

The meeting included all interim government ministers along with Prime Minister Karki.

Gen Z representatives present were Madan Karki, Monica Niraula, Bhojbikram Thapa, Shiva Yadav, Urpajun Chamling, Nikunja Bhandari, Rijan Rana, Bablu Gupta, Ojaswiraj Thapa, Purushottam Yadav, Aditya Acharya, Khemraj Saud, Apsana Banu, Pradeep Pandey, Gunjan Shah Thakuri, and Dhiraj Joshi.