Sudan Gurung, Leader of Nepal’s Youth Uprising, Announces Candidacy in March Elections
Sudan Gurung, the activist who became the face of Nepal’s recent youth-led protests, has announced his decision to run in the country’s upcoming general elections scheduled for March. The 36-year-old, who rose to prominence as thousands of young people took to the streets demanding change, says his campaign will champion a “people’s government” led by and for the younger generation.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera’s Start Here host Sandra Gathmann, Gurung declared that the movement he leads will not fade away now that the previous government has fallen. Instead, it will evolve into a nationwide force for change. “They have dragged us into politics,” Gurung said, accusing past leaders of being “selfish” and “corrupt.” He added firmly: “If it’s politics they want, that’s what they’ll get. We will be running for the next election because we are not going to back down now.”
From Protest Leader to Political Challenger
Gurung’s rise has been swift and dramatic. Until a few weeks ago, he was known mostly among grassroots youth circles. That changed when Nepal’s government attempted to block popular social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, claiming that the companies had failed to register with state regulators.
What began as an outcry over internet restrictions quickly exploded into a wider movement against corruption, state violence, and lack of accountability among Nepal’s ruling elites. The protests, largely driven by Generation Z, swelled into a mass uprising that toppled the government in just a matter of days.
The demonstrations came at a heavy cost. Dozens of young protesters were killed in violent crackdowns, and thousands more were injured. Gurung, who had been on the front lines, became a unifying figure, symbolising both the frustration and determination of Nepal’s youth.
Building a “Movement for Change”
Gurung insists that his campaign will not mirror traditional political parties, which many in Nepal associate with corruption and self-interest. Instead, he describes his team as a grassroots coalition of volunteers, activists, and citizens determined to create a government that truly represents the people.
“This is not just about winning seats in parliament,” he explained. “It’s about building a new kind of government—one where the voices of ordinary Nepalese, especially the youth, are heard and respected.”
Already, Gurung’s movement is mobilising nationwide. Volunteers are organising legal and communications committees, as well as policy forums that crowdsource ideas directly from citizens. Platforms such as Discord and Instagram, which played a crucial role in coordinating the protests, are now being used to connect activists, debate policies, and expand the movement’s reach across Nepal’s provinces.
A People’s Agenda
Gurung says his priorities are shaped directly by the demands raised during the protests. Key issues include fighting corruption, ensuring accountability in government, safeguarding digital rights, and improving opportunities for Nepal’s younger population.
He emphasises that this is not just a political campaign but a social movement rooted in the collective energy of ordinary people. “We want to ensure that every voice of the Nepalese people is heard,” Gurung told Al Jazeera.
Observers note that this approach reflects a broader global trend, where younger generations are leveraging technology and grassroots mobilisation to challenge entrenched political systems. From climate protests in Europe to pro-democracy movements in Asia, digital platforms are increasingly becoming the backbone of political change.
Youth Power in Nepal’s Politics
Nepal has a young population, with a significant share under the age of 35. Many feel excluded from decision-making, as the country’s politics have long been dominated by a small circle of veteran leaders. For this reason, Gurung’s rise has resonated deeply with young Nepalese, many of whom view him as a chance to break the cycle of corruption and political stagnation.
Analysts say Gurung’s movement could become a major political force if it successfully channels the passion of the protests into an organised electoral strategy. However, challenges remain. The country’s political establishment is likely to resist his rise, and questions linger about whether a movement born in the streets can effectively transition into governance.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, Gurung acknowledges the difficulties his movement faces. Running a nationwide campaign requires resources, organisation, and resilience against political attacks. The tragic deaths and injuries during the protests also weigh heavily on him and his supporters.
Yet, Gurung says those sacrifices are precisely why he cannot step back now. “We have already paid too high a price to stop,” he said. “The young people of Nepal have shown their courage, and now we must transform that courage into lasting change.”
International observers are also watching closely. Nepal’s stability is crucial in South Asia, and the sudden emergence of a youth-led movement capable of unseating a government within days highlights both the fragility and the vibrancy of the country’s democracy.
Looking Toward March Elections
As Nepal prepares for the March polls, all eyes will be on Gurung and his supporters. Whether his movement can sustain momentum, build alliances, and convert popular anger into parliamentary seats remains to be seen.
Still, Gurung remains confident that change is possible. His message is simple but powerful: young people are no longer content to be passive observers of politics. They are ready to lead.
“Our fight is not just about elections—it’s about the future of Nepal,” he said. “This is the beginning of a new chapter, and we will fight till the end to build a people’s government.”