Youth participation in politics declining, says Mahar
Mahar expressed concern over the declining presence of young people in recent party activities and movements, saying that serious review and reform are needed.
KATHMANDU: Ain Bahadur Mahar, Chief Whip of the CPN (UML), has said that youth should not be defined only by age but also by ideology, discipline, and vision.
Speaking at the Madan-Ashrit Memorial Assembly on Sunday, he stated that the concept of “youth” envisioned by People’s Multiparty Democracy is a combination of both age and progressive thinking.
Mahar expressed concern over the declining presence of young people in recent party activities and movements, saying that serious review and reform are needed.
He admitted that political parties and leaders have failed to build effective “connection” and “communication” with the new generation.
“Youth is not just about age; it is also about ideology, discipline, and commitment to change,” he said. “In our programs, more than 90 percent of participants are above 40 years old. The low presence of Gen Z is our weakness.”
He further stressed the need to reform party working style and communication methods to attract the younger generation.
According to him, the tendency of leaders keeping even their own family members away from politics has also contributed to declining youth participation.
Mahar concluded that organizational reform, practical dialogue, and an inclusive environment are essential to bring young people into mainstream politics.
