The downfall of communism in Nepal was not an overnight occurrence. The resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli in the wake of massive protests in September 2025 symbolized the end of an era for the Communist Party of Nepal, which, under various forms and names, dominated the nation's political landscape for over thirty years. This saga is characterized by a bloody civil war, fragile coalitions, corruption scandals, and, in recent years, an authoritarian drift that led to its downfall as a new generation of Nepalese citizens demanded change.
From Guerrilla Warfare to Political Dominance
The Communist Party of Nepal emerged as a Maoist insurgency in the 1990s. It launched a civil war in 1996 against the constitutional monarchy, aiming to dismantle it and establish a people's republic. The decade-long conflict claimed over 17,000 lives and left deep scars on the population.
In 2006, a peace agreement led the Maoists to disarm and engage in the political process. Following the abolition of the monarchy in 2008, Nepal officially became a federal democratic republic, with a new constitution in the works and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) winning the elections.
Unity and Internal Strife
In 2018, two major communist factions—the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center)—merged to form the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) in a historic union that promised stability. K.P. Sharma Oli assumed the role of Prime Minister with a parliamentary majority.
However, the dream of unity quickly unraveled into a nightmare: internal power struggles, attempts to dissolve Parliament, and an authoritarian approach eroded the government's legitimacy. In 2021, the Supreme Court deemed the merger unconstitutional, forcing the parties to split and reigniting old rivalries.
Censorship, Oppression, and Youthful Dissent
During Oli's second term, he faced criticism for authoritarian actions such as curbing press freedom, arresting critics, and the excessive use of presidential decrees. Corruption worsened, with opaque contracts, nepotism, and officials' illicit enrichment marking the communist regime's years.
The breaking point came on September 9, when the government restricted access to social media platforms like Facebook, X, and YouTube, demanding state registration. This move was perceived by thousands of young people as a direct threat to their freedom of expression, triggering the largest protests since the monarchy's abolition.
With a repressive response resulting in at least 19 deaths and numerous injuries, the government lost its last shred of legitimacy. Following days of unrest and the burning of public buildings, Oli resigned on September 9. Several ministers followed suit.
Current Situation: Uncertainty and Transition
As of September 10, Nepal is under provisional military control, with an interim government taking shape. Political and social sectors have proposed former Justice Sushila Karki as a potential interim Prime Minister, while new elections are being called and comprehensive reforms are underway.
Meanwhile, Nepal's youth remain mobilized. What began as a backlash against digital censorship has evolved into a broad movement for democracy, transparency, and political renewal. Many demand that no former communist leaders be allowed to run in the upcoming election cycle.
The collapse of Nepal's communist government marks the end of an era that started with an armed revolution and concluded with the widespread rejection by new generations. In a nation that once envisioned social justice but ended up trapped in authoritarianism, history seems poised to turn a new page.
Key Questions on Nepal's Political Transition
What led to the downfall of the communist regime in Nepal?
The communist regime in Nepal fell due to a combination of factors: authoritarian drift, corruption, internal party struggles, and a significant backlash from the youth against digital censorship and repression.
How did the youth of Nepal contribute to the political change?
Nepal's youth played a crucial role in the political change by mobilizing against the government's restrictions on social media, which they saw as a threat to their freedom of expression, ultimately leading to massive protests and the government's resignation.
Who is proposed to lead the interim government in Nepal?
Former Justice Sushila Karki has been proposed as a potential interim Prime Minister as Nepal forms a provisional government and prepares for new elections.