Directly elected president
19th September 2025, Kathmandu
CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has linked the recent Gen-Z movement in Nepal to a critical flaw in the country’s constitution: the absence of a directly elected executive.
Directly elected president
Speaking at a Constitution Day event, Prachanda argued that political instability, a direct result of this constitutional gap, fueled the widespread youth protests.
He believes a directly elected president would create a stable government, which would in turn help to prevent similar unrest in the future.
Prachanda stated that during the drafting of the 2015 constitution, a directly elected executive was not included. This omission, he said, has contributed to a cycle of political turmoil.
The Gen-Z movement, in his view, is a symptom of this deeper systemic issue. The protests highlighted the public’s frustration with the constant power struggles and lack of accountability in the current political system.
The Need for Constitutional Reform
Prachanda emphasized that the Gen-Z movement serves as a clear indicator of the need for significant constitutional reforms. To ensure long-term political stability and prevent future unrest, he proposed a three-pronged approach.
First, he stressed the importance of a directly elected president. This would provide a strong, stable executive branch with a clear mandate from the people. Unlike a prime minister who can be removed through a no-confidence vote, a president would not be subject to such frequent changes, ensuring continuity in governance.
Second, he called for a fully proportional electoral system. This system would ensure that the number of seats a political party receives in the legislature is directly proportional to its share of the popular vote.
This would promote greater inclusivity and representation, allowing for a more accurate reflection of the public’s will. A fully proportional system could prevent the political fragmentation that often leads to unstable coalition governments.
Finally, Prachanda highlighted the need to properly address identity-related issues. He stated that the constitution must pay adequate attention to the rights and concerns of various ethnic, linguistic, and religious communities.
By addressing these long-standing grievances, the country can build a more harmonious and inclusive society, reducing the potential for social and political conflict.
The Path to a Stable Future
The CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman believes that a directly elected president would not only bring stability but also foster a greater sense of accountability among political leaders.
When leaders are directly elected by the people, they are more likely to be responsive to public demands and less focused on party politics. This shift could help to bridge the gap between the government and its citizens, a key demand of the Gen-Z movement.
Prachanda’s comments open up a new debate on the future of Nepal’s political system. The political instability that has plagued the nation since the constitution’s promulgation has been a major concern for many.
The recent protests have amplified this concern, forcing political leaders to reconsider the current governance model. The proposals put forth by Prachanda provide a clear vision for a more stable and prosperous Nepal.
Whether these changes will be implemented remains to be seen, but the discussion is now at the forefront of the national conversation.
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