Political Awareness, Governance Preference, and Leadership Orientations among Generation Z in Nepal

Abstract

Generation Z is emerging as a vital political force in Nepal, significantly influenced by digital technologies and social media. They constitute a substantial part of the electorate and future political leadership. Nonetheless, there is a lack of empirical research on their political awareness, governance preference, and opinions on leadership, which is essential for Nepal as it aims to strengthen its federal democratic-republican framework minimising challenges such as political instability and declining public trust in institutions.

This study examined the political awareness and governance preference of Generation Z undergraduate students in Nepal, analyzing variables like gender and academic programme using data from five hundred forty eight (n = 548) students. Results showed moderate political awareness, a preference for parliamentary governance, and youth-oriented leadership. Gender influenced leadership preference slightly, but governance preference had no strong correlations with demographic factors. Notable differences in political awareness were found across academic programs, while semester differences were absent. The findings suggest that generational identity is a key factor in shaping political attitudes, highlighting the need for improved civic education and engagement in Nepal’s higher educational institutions.