Kathmandu: Three months after the violent protests of September 8-9, Nepal's government and various ‘Gen Z’ groups have signed an agreement recognising the demonstrations as “a political-social people's movement”.

However, the deal – which touches on significant constitutional and political reforms – was signed without consultation with the country's major political parties. This exclusion raises serious concerns that future governments may be unwilling to honour its provisions after the upcoming elections.

The agreement, signed in the presence of interim government head Sushila Karki, guarantees that no one will face criminal investigation or prosecution for participating in the Gen Z movement.

This provision is controversial, as police have already arrested more than 400 people for involvement in arson and vandalism, with some already facing criminal charges in court. It remains unlikely that the police and courts will easily accept blanket amnesty. The police has previously rejected a Ministry of Home Affairs instruction to release those arrested for killings, arson and vandalism.

Under the agreement, families of the deceased and injured protesters will receive compensation, free healthcare, education, employment, social security and memorial arrangements. The government has already declared 45 of the 76 people who died during the Gen Z movement as martyrs and is issuing identity cards to the injured.

Addressing the Gen Z movement's demands, both sides agreed to form a permanent commission to curb corruption and promote good governance. The agreement mandates that government decisions and expenditures must be made transparent and accessible via social media, and that all reports from previous investigation commissions will finally be made public.

Additionally, a high-level commission will be formed to investigate the property and lifestyles of those holding public office. While this is a veiled reference to political party leaders, critics note that the proposal risks bureaucratic duplication as existing state institutions already cover these areas.

The agreement includes several electoral reforms likely to cause controversy in the political landscape. The electoral laws will be amended to incorporate the “right to reject” provision in elections, also known as ‘none of the above’ or NOTA.

While Nepal's Supreme Court has already ordered the government to ensure this provision, political parties have been reluctant to implement it.

Voting rights for Nepalis living abroad, including migrant workers and students, will be guaranteed. The government has decided to issue an ordinance for this purpose, though presidential approval remains uncertain.

Only individuals selected through mandatory primaries within political parties will be eligible to become election candidates – a provision that doesn't currently exist in any political party.

Political party chairpersons or presidents will be limited to a maximum of two terms. Legal provisions will regulate “unhealthy alliances” formed solely for election purposes, though the agreement doesn't clarify whether these provisions apply to the upcoming elections.

Amid the issue of the massive use of money in elections, the agreement also states that the expenses of candidates and parties will be made transparent. While the Election Commission has already formulated such laws, implementation has been problematic.

The agreement calls for forming a commission to recommend constitutional amendments, though it remains silent on specific content.

Some Gen Z groups advocate amending the constitution to establish a system with a directly elected president, replacing the current parliamentary system. Last year, the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) agreed to pursue constitutional amendments but later backtracked due to the complexity of the issues.

The agreement proposes limiting the president, prime minister and heads of all three levels of government to a maximum of two full terms. The minimum age for candidates to the House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly would be reduced from 25 to 21 years, enabling Gen Z leaders to contest elections at all levels.

A Gen Z council will be established to contribute to the functioning of the governance system, monitor the government and provide advice, suggestions and support for good governance.

The agreement takes effect from the date of signing by both parties.

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