AWC proposes 12-point roadmap to resolve Nepal’s constitutional crisis and institutionalize Gen-Z movement gains

Kathmandu: Accountability Watch Committee (AWC) has put forward a 12-point set of recommendations aimed at resolving Nepal’s ongoing constitutional crisis, institutionalizing the achievements of the Gen-Z movement, and restoring national confidence through lawful and transparent measures.

Following a detailed review of the political turmoil triggered by the Gen-Z protests, the committee concluded that the situation requires urgent normalization and effective management of the transitional period. The goal, it said, must be to address the movement’s demands with honesty and broad consensus.

The committee stressed that the Gen-Z uprising should be seen as a continuation of the people’s historic struggles—from past social and regional movements to a decade-long armed conflict—that culminated in Nepal’s current constitution. It warned against attempts to exploit the transitional uncertainty to push the country toward regression, urging Gen-Z activists, civil society, the media, and citizens to remain vigilant.

According to the committee, the protests represented “an extreme expression of public frustration and revolt” caused by the contradiction between the constitution’s promises of social justice, good governance, sustainable development, and peace on one hand, and entrenched corruption, factionalism, discrimination, and authoritarian tendencies in governance on the other.

The 12 recommendations include:

1. National dialogue: The President, under Article 61 of the constitution, should hold wide-ranging consultations with Gen-Z representatives, civil society, and both parliamentary and extra-parliamentary forces to manage the crisis.
2. Constitutional amendment: If government formation becomes impossible through Parliament, amend Article 76 to allow the President to appoint as Prime Minister an independent figure not in Parliament, set election dates, and dissolve Parliament—ensuring constitutional legitimacy for a citizen-led government supported by Gen-Z.
3. Presidential order: If consensus cannot be reached, the President should exercise constitutional authority under Article 61 to issue necessary orders, form a citizen government led by a Gen-Z–endorsed figure, and announce new elections.
4. Constitutional review commission: A commission of independent experts should be established to review governance, electoral systems, judiciary, federalism, constitutional bodies, and political party structures, with proposals later submitted to the newly elected Parliament.
5. Judicial inquiry: Form a high-level commission to investigate human rights violations that killed dozens and injured thousands during the protests, as well as criminally motivated acts of property destruction, and ensure accountability.
6. Victim support: Provide relief and compensation to families of the deceased, as well as medical and social support to the injured.
7. Restoring administration: Resume stalled administrative and judicial services in cooperation with provincial and local governments and the private sector, prioritizing law and order.
8. Political reform: Ensure genuine leadership transition within political parties, end authoritarian and dynastic practices, and enforce transparency and internal democratization.
9. Anti-corruption drive: Close legal loopholes that allow policy-level corruption, investigate past scandals, prosecute the guilty, and implement a zero-tolerance policy.
10. Social justice and reconstruction: Address the economic and social hardships of marginalized groups, conflict victims, and rebuild destroyed infrastructure through inclusive planning and consultation.
11. Impact assessment: Institutionalize procedures to assess the economic, social, and generational impact of any major policy, legislation, or executive decision.
12. Grievance mechanism: Create a permanent mechanism to receive, analyze, and address public concerns within the framework of rule of law.

The committee said these steps are essential not only to end the current constitutional deadlock but also to rebuild national confidence, advance political stability, and strengthen good governance in line with the spirit of the Gen-Z movement.

Signatories include human rights defenders Raju Prasad Chapagai (Coordinator), Rajan Kuinkel (Co-coordinator), Rukmanee Maharjan (Co-coordinator), and members Charan Prasai, Dr Gauri Shankar Lal Das, Dr Mandira Sharma, Dinesh Tripathi, Suman Adhikari, Devi Sunuwar, Baburam Giri, Dr Birendra Thapaliya, Janak Bahadur Raut, Indra Prasad Aryal, Mahamunishwor Acharya, Bikash Basnet, Anita Thapaliya, Bhakta Bishwakarma, Badri Prasad Bhusal, Nirajan Thapaliya, Kashiram Dhungana, Laxmi Pokharel, Pushparaj Paudel, Santosh Babu Sigdel, Mohna Ansari, and Kamala Panthi.