KATHMANDU: Every first experience in life carries a sense of excitement and curiosity. From first love and first earnings to a first job or foreign travel, such moments remain memorable for years. A similar sense of anticipation is visible among new voters preparing to cast their ballots for the first time in the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.
For many young voters, especially in the aftermath of the recent Gen-Z movement, this election is seen as an opportunity to shape the country’s future. They say that capable leadership is essential for building a prosperous nation and that thoughtful voting is key to electing the right representatives.
In conversations with Khabarhub, most first-time voters expressed a preference for newer political parties, arguing that change is necessary. However, some maintained that not all old leaders are bad and not all new faces are necessarily good. Others said they would vote based on individual candidates rather than party affiliation.
Renu Sharma from Kanchanpur, a Grade 11 management student, said she plans to vote for a new party. “Our parents have voted for the old parties for years. Now it’s our turn to try someone new,” she said, adding that her generation’s leader should be different from that of her parents. However, she noted that even her parents are considering supporting new leadership this time. “If the new ones fail to deliver, we can reject them in the next election,” she added.
Anupa Nepal, an 18-year-old bachelor’s level education student from Dolakha, said she is happy to vote for the first time but plans to support a candidate from an established party in her constituency. “It is not true that all old leaders are bad and all new leaders are good,” she said, arguing that social and physical development has progressed over generations and that past leaders should not be entirely dismissed.
Anjali Yadav from Bara, aged 20, said she is eager to travel back to her district as soon as college holidays begin to cast her vote. She believes voters should choose leaders who can place the country on the right track. “Old parties have not developed our village. They won elections with our parents’ votes but we have not seen meaningful change,” she said.
Lakshyajung Shah from Mahendranagar said he will vote based on the individual rather than the party. “A candidate from an old party has done good work in our village by building roads. I will vote for him,” he said. However, he expressed concern about whether his workplace would grant him leave to vote, noting that many young people miss voting due to job commitments.
Ayush Tamang from Kathmandu described his first vote as a moment of pride. “I feel precious knowing I am choosing a leader,” he said. Criticizing old leadership, he argued that the country’s youth are born burdened with national debt and limited opportunities. Having participated in the Gen-Z movement, he said he is inclined to trust new leaders this time but warned they would also be rejected if they fail to perform.
Nishan Thapa Chhetri said he plans to vote for a new party but does not feel particularly happy about the process. “What did our parents gain by voting for old parties?” he questioned, pointing to economic hardship and migration. “Let’s observe the new leaders for five years. If they do not perform, we will choose another alternative.”
Durga Chand, a bachelor’s level student from Dhangadhi, also said she intends to vote for a new party, arguing that leadership requires accountability and responsibility. “A leader must take responsibility. Leadership is not about enjoying state resources,” she said.
Meanwhile, Jagadish Bhatt from Darchula said he hopes new leadership will help bridge the development gap between Kathmandu and remote districts. “How long will Darchula remain underdeveloped?” he asked, expressing frustration over disparities in infrastructure, education and employment opportunities.
While a few young voters admitted they are not deeply interested in politics, the majority stressed that the country’s future depends on responsible political participation. Whether supporting new alternatives or experienced figures, first-time voters appear determined to make their voices heard in this election.
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