Gen Z uprising in Nepal: A case of crisis in constitutionalism in South Asia

The interim government of Nepal, installed by the Gen Z movement, led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, celebrated the tenth Constitution Day, last month, on September 19. This constitution is the outcome of Nepal’s long democratic (since 1951) and Maoist armed struggle (1996 -2006), in which nearly 17,000 Nepalis lost their lives.

Yet, only a decade later, demands for its replacement or massive structural amendments began to rise on the grounds that it had, somehow, failed to meet the aspirations of the Nepali people. These demands are being voiced by some civil society members, some political parties, and the Gen Z. If this is the case, it is important, however, to ask whether the responsibility of this so-called failure lies solely with the constitution?