Nepal turmoil refuses to end: Here's what happens next

kingdom of nepal has been push up into political uncertainness after undercoat government minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid anti-corruption protests which turned violent after a social media ban. At least 19 people, many of them students, were killed in the unrest, which quickly spiraled into a wider movement against entrenched political elites.

This is the biggest crisis Nepal's fledgling democracy has faced since the monarchy was abolished in 2008. The unrest has exposed a deep rift between the political elite and the country’s restless youth. (Track latest updates on Nepal unrest)

The next few weeks will determine whether Nepal’s leaders can negotiate with protesters, manage a constitutional transition, or head toward more instability - possibly even fresh elections under an interim setup.

Here's a look at what is happening and what could follow

The anti-corruption protests picked up steam on Monday after the government blocked more than two dozen social media sites, including Facebook, X and YouTube, accusing them of refusing to register and submit to government oversight.

What started as anger over censorship escalated into a much broader movement. Many young people, often referred to as Gen Z, expressed frustration with corruption, nepotism, and high youth unemployment, with thousands leaving the country daily for jobs abroad.

By Tuesday, the demonstrations turned violent, with protesters storming parliament, the presidential house, and the prime minister’s office, torching government and media buildings, and attacking politicians. Foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba and her husband, former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, were beaten by mobs.

Nepal’s 2015 constitution lays out a clear process for a scenario when the ruling government falls: The president must invite the party with a majority in parliament to form a government.

If no party has a majority, any member who can command a majority may be appointed, but must prove it through a confidence vote within 30 days.

If all attempts fail, parliament can be dissolved and fresh elections held.

The challenge: many established party leaders are discredited in the eyes of protesters, some even attacked or in hiding, raising doubts over whether the constitutional route will be accepted.

Rage, ruins and resignations: 50 photos that capture grim reality of Nepal protests

The constitution does not mention one, but legal experts argue Nepal may need a temporary, broad-based administration acceptable to protesters.

“Such a government can pursue the agenda for change that Gen Z want and also hold elections for a new parliament within six months,” constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari told news agency Reuters.

As the protests rage on, two key figures have emerged:

Both are viewed as outsiders to the old political elite, making them appealing to young demonstrators.

Some protesters are demanding a rewriting of the 2015 charter, which was already controversial when adopted.

While the constitution allows amendments through parliament, demonstrators argue the existing political class cannot be trusted to lead meaningful reforms. Calls for a broader rethinking of Nepal’s political system are growing louder.

For now, Kathmandu is under curfew, guarded by soldiers trying to restore calm after days of unrest. What comes next will depend on whether the political establishment can find a way to engage with the protesters, or if the standoff deepens into prolonged instability.

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