36-Year-Old Nepal Activist Who Led Gen Z Protests Declares Bid in Upcoming Elections

Sudan Gurung, the activist who became the face of Nepal’s youth-led uprising that brought down the government earlier this month, has announced his intention to run in the country’s general elections set for March 2026.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera’s Sandra Gathmann, Gurung confirmed that his movement is already mobilizing nationwide, aiming not to form a traditional political party, but rather a “movement for change.”

“They have dragged us into politics,” Gurung said, referring to the previous administration. “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 contender

The 36-year-old activist is the President of Hami Nepal, the youth-led civic organization that spearheaded the protests earlier this month.

Once an event manager and nightclub owner, Gurung’s life changed course after losing his child during the 2015 Nepal earthquake.

Also Read: Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli Resigns After Gen Z Protests

The tragedy inspired him to found Hami Nepal, which has since evolved into a powerful, non-partisan grassroots movement known for its motto: “For the People, By the People.”

Gurung’s leadership during the Gen Z protests of September 2025 elevated him to national prominence. The demonstrations erupted after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube.

But the protests quickly escalated, driven by public outrage over corruption, nepotism, and state brutality. Over 50 people were killed and thousands injured during the unrest.

Under Gurung’s guidance, protesters used platforms like Discord and Instagram to organize, with students marching in school uniforms and carrying books.

Within days, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned. On September 12, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim Prime Minister—the first woman to lead Nepal’s government.

“I’m not scared … just killing me won’t do anything,” Gurung said. “I need to save my nation because it’s now or never.”

Sudan Gurung speaks on vision for a new Nepal

Gurung stated that he does not plan to run as an independent candidate but will instead campaign “as a group,” emphasizing collective leadership.

“If I just run as an independent candidate, we won’t have this force of youths,” he said. “Together, we are stronger.”

His movement has begun forming legal and communications teams, while crowdsourced policy ideas are being collected through digital platforms.

Gurung insists their campaign will go beyond anti-corruption efforts, aiming to strengthen tourism, pursue balanced diplomacy with neighbors India and China, and fight systemic impunity.

“We need to respect them, they need to respect us,” Gurung said, referring to Nepal’s regional partners. “We’re making sure every voice of the Nepalese people is heard.”

Also Read: Former Nepal Chief Justice Sushila Karki Appointed Interim Prime Minister

He also criticized the presence of “selfish” and “corrupt” politicians in government and urged interim Prime Minister Karki to expedite investigations into the killings of protesters.

“We’ll be sure that the investigation is done properly, on time, so that they won’t participate [in the elections],” added.

When asked if he would run for prime minister, Gurung remained open but cautious, stating, “I won’t say I am the right person right now.…. but if the people choose me, I am definitely going to run.”

Despite rising public support, Gurung says he has faced threats and intimidation.

“Many have tried to demotivate me, they have been trying to follow me, they have [been] trying to scare me,” he revealed.

Deadly protests

The protests that began on September 8 shook Nepal to its core. The government’s controversial internet blackout triggered outrage, particularly among Gen Z citizens already frustrated by entrenched political elites.

Protesters stormed the parliament, torched government buildings, and freed prisoners. At least 51 people were killed, and Prime Minister Oli resigned on September 9.

On September 12, President Ramchandra Poudel dissolved parliament and appointed Sushila Karki to lead a transitional government.

Karki, 73, had served as Nepal’s first female chief justice and was chosen in an unprecedented online vote organized by Hami Nepal via Discord, with participation from over 10,000 Nepalis, including members of the diaspora.

Though hailed for her independence and legal acumen, Karki has already faced criticism from Gurung’s camp over alleged unilateral decisions, including expanding her cabinet without youth consultation.

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