Sudan Gurung, the 36-year-old leader of Nepal’s recent youth-led protests, has declared he will run in the country’s upcoming March general elections. His announcement comes just weeks after mass demonstrations forced the collapse of the government, signaling a potential new era in Nepalese politics.
In an interview, Gurung said his group is building a “movement for change” rather than a traditional political party. He emphasized that young people, especially Gen Z, will be at the forefront of this campaign. “They have dragged us into politics. If it’s politics they want, that’s what they’ll get,” he said.
The protests erupted after the government banned social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube, citing regulatory issues. However, the demonstrations quickly evolved into a wider uprising against corruption, state violence, and impunity. Dozens of young people lost their lives and thousands were injured, turning Gurung into a national figure.
Harnessing technology, Gurung’s team has created volunteer committees for legal and communication tasks while gathering policy input through platforms like Discord and Instagram. “We are ensuring that every voice of the Nepalese people is heard,” he said.
While Gurung has not confirmed whether he will run as an independent, he stressed the importance of collective strength: “If I just run as an independent candidate, we won’t have this force of youths. Together, we are stronger.”
His movement’s agenda goes beyond anticorruption. It includes revitalizing Nepal’s tourism sector and balancing foreign relations with India and China without “external interference.”
Gurung also urged interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki to speed up investigations into corruption and the killings of protesters, warning that those implicated should not be allowed to contest the March elections.
Although he stopped short of openly declaring a bid for prime minister, Gurung left the door open: “If the people choose me, I am definitely going to run.”
Despite reported attempts to intimidate him, Gurung remains defiant. “I’m not scared,” he said. “I need to save my nation because it’s now or never.”
