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Nepal today looks like a textbook case of “illiberal democracy.” The country holds competitive elections and changes governments through the ballot box, but core liberal rights—free expression, religious liberty, equal treatment before the law, and checks on executive power—are consistently narrowed or unevenly enforced. This combination of electoral competition and weakened civil liberties is what scholars mean by an illiberal democracy: a political system that is democratic in form yet illiberal in practice.

Start with the scoreboard. Freedom House rates Nepal “Partly Free,” with a 2024 global freedom score of 62/100, made up of 28/40 for political rights and 34/60 for civil liberties. The summary makes clear why: formal institutions exist, yet corruption persists, key rights are unevenly protected, and transitional-justice bodies remain unfulfilled. These are not the marks of a liberal rule-of-law state but of an electoral system that struggles to protect basic freedoms beyond election day.

Recent history shows how fragile constitutional norms can be. In 2020 and again in May 2021, then–Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli dissolved the lower house, triggering a constitutional crisis. Nepal’s Supreme Court ultimately reinstated parliament and ordered the appointment of a rival as prime minister in July 2021. The Court’s intervention was a democratic backstop, but the attempted dissolutions themselves were classic illiberal moves—executive bids to sidestep legislative constraints.

Freedom of expression illustrates the pattern even more starkly. Authorities have repeatedly used the Electronic Transactions Act (ETA)—a law ostensibly aimed at cybercrime—to detain or investigate critics and journalists for online speech. Human Rights Watch has documented arrests and called for reforms to stop abuse of the ETA, while the Committee to Protect Journalists reported in February 2024 that two reporters were arrested under Section 47 of the Act following posts about alleged police misconduct. The message such prosecutions send is chilling: criticism can be criminalized if it travels over the internet.

The trend accelerated this week. On Sept 4, Nepal announced it would block major social media platforms—including Facebook and, reportedly, others—that did not register with the government and appoint local compliance officers. Officials framed this as “responsible” regulation; opposition parties and rights groups warned it was a broad tool for censorship. No liberal democracy should be comfortable with a government switch that can throttle the main channels of public discourse.

Religious freedom is constrained by law in ways that are hard to square with liberal principles. Nepal’s 2015 Constitution proclaims secularism, but the 2017 Penal Code criminalizes “converting” another person and contains “blasphemy-style” offences that penalize outraging religious feelings, with penalties that can include imprisonment. The International Commission of Jurists has warned that these provisions are vague and open to abuse, chilling legitimate religious teaching and expression. Liberalism protects the individual’s right to persuade as well as to believe; criminalizing peaceful proselytism curtails that liberty.

Rule of law also suffers from pervasive corruption—another hallmark of illiberal systems where institutions are captured or politicized. Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index gives Nepal a score of 34/100 and ranks it 107th of 180 countries. That low score signals weak safeguards and uneven enforcement, which in turn erodes equal treatment before the law and citizens’ trust that public power serves public, not private, ends.

Transitional justice remains a long, unfinished project, undermining accountability for grave abuses during the 1996–2006 conflict. Parliament adopted a new law in Aug 2024 to restart the process, but Amnesty International and others flagged serious gaps, and victims’ groups criticized the 2025 appointments to the two commissions as politicized. Human Rights Watch’s submission to Nepal’s 2025 Universal Periodic Review describes continuing impunity and warns that the social media bill would add new speech crimes with prison terms. A liberal order requires credible accountability for past crimes and robust protection for present dissent; Nepal is still falling short on both.

Citizenship rights show progress mixed with persistent discrimination. In May 2023, President Ramchandra Paudel authenticated amendments to the Citizenship Act, clearing a path to documents for hundreds of thousands—especially in the Tarai—who had long been effectively stateless. Yet rights groups note remaining gender-based discrimination, including limits on women’s ability to pass citizenship on equal terms, illustrating how formal fixes do not automatically produce equal rights in practice. An illiberal democracy often delivers partial reforms that leave basic inequalities intact.

To be fair, Nepal has also seen liberalizing decisions from its courts, notably the Supreme Court’s 2023 interim order enabling registration of same-sex marriages, with the first registration recorded that November. These are genuine steps toward a more open society, and Freedom House credits them as improvements. But those bright spots coexist with a broader environment where speech can bring handcuffs, religion is policed, corruption is entrenched, and executive power tests constitutional limits. Liberal democracy is not only about counting votes; it is about guarding rights. On that test, Nepal still falls short.

Nepal’s voters deserve better than a choice between instability and control. A liberal path is available: repeal or overhaul the ETA and any new social media law to protect legitimate speech; narrow or scrap anti-conversion clauses that criminalize peaceful persuasion; empower truly independent anti-corruption and human rights bodies; and make transitional justice credible, victim-centered, and insulated from political horse-trading. Until reforms like these take hold, the most accurate description of Nepal’s political system is an illiberal democracy: electoral, yes—but not fully free.

On Sept 9, GenZ-led protests erupted across major cities in Nepal, escalating into one of the most devastating periods in the nation’s  history. In just two days, the unrest claimed the lives of more than 50 people and left the government in disarray. 

Iconic buildings, including Singha Durbar, the Parliament House, and several ministry offices, were set ablaze. As the nation reels from the destruction, voices from all fronts—including social media influencers—are being heard. In this context, ApEx spoke with four people to hear their thoughts on Nepal’s newly formed interim government and what hopes they hold for the country moving forward.

Swikriti Koirala, 24

As a GenZ student of International Relations and Diplomacy, I view these protests as a reflection of generational shift in political consciousness in Nepal. Sept 8 was a legitimate democratic expression of young Nepalis that signals the urgency to address underlying grievances of the citizens. I see the current situation as both a challenge to the state and also an opportunity for change. The new government is making efforts to listen and address the demands of GenZ but will deeper institutional reforms be met in the future is the real question. GenZ wants more than promises. We demand action and accountability. The appointment of Sushila Karki as the first female Prime Minister of Nepal is significant, not only for the history it created but also for the potential it holds in reshaping the governance of our institutions. The expectations are high and I think she can bring proper solutions by setting up inclusive dialogue platforms and laying the groundwork for larger reforms. 

Aprila Ghising Lama, 25

The protests marked a turning point in Nepal, showing that GenZ is no longer a silent player in the country’s political scene. They showed just how frustrated young people are with corruption and poor governance. It’s clear that youth voices can’t be sidelined anymore, and their demand for accountability has become a political force in itself. Acknowledging youth demands is a start, but what Nepal needs is long-term governance shifts that address the roots of frustration. Prime Minister Karki’s appointment is a step towards progressive and inclusive governance. Tackling corruption, creating opportunities for youth, and pushing institutional reforms is vital. However, with the level of political discord in the country, her real test will be whether she can rise above the noise and prioritize public trust and accountability. What I want to see are systemic reforms that fix the glitches of corruption and inefficiency, along with stronger youth representation in decision-making. 

Deepshikha Ghimire, 25

The recent protests by GenZ indicate genuine frustration and aspiration for change, yet there are still many unheard voices. Our new prime minister has a duty to steer the nation through this pivotal election phase and ensure equity for everyone. I think she can hear the youth, include them in the dialogue, and assist in restoring confidence in our democracy. I anticipate witnessing her progress toward transparency, accountability, and meaningful youth engagement in shaping our future.

Rohan Maharjan, 27

I was quite shocked by how violent the protests became, and saddened by the lives that were lost during the protests. At the same time, I am very proud of the people for rising against the corrupt government. I expect good things in the future. Our new prime minister has already appointed three ministers, including Kulman Ghising, whom I know we can trust. Appointing non-corrupt leaders who can bring growth and development in each sector is exactly what we need. With leaders like her and Ghising, I believe better days are ahead for Nepal. The major change I would like to see is the complete eradication of corruption at every level. I believe corruption is the root of a country’s downfall. I hope we can finally put an end to corruption, and ensure that taxpayers’ money is used properly such as for the development of good roads, quality education, reliable infrastructure, and access to basic necessities for all Nepalis. 

I want to make it clear that I’m not an expert on interior design but I’ve always been fascinated by home decor. Ever since I was in school, I’d try to make small changes in my parent’s home that would make it look and feel better. Sometimes, I’d add a big vase to the center table, other times, I’d save up my allowance to buy a striking decor piece. Over time, little things added up and our living room was transformed. My parents even got the sofas reupholstered to give it a brand new feel. Sensing I was trying to make things look nicer, they also changed what they could. 

But home decor for me has always been an evolving process. It’s not something you do once and settle into. You have to constantly keep changing things, even if it’s something as simple as just moving things around to shake things up a bit. Many of my friends claim to be bored of their decor but say they don’t have the time or energy to make major upgrades. What they don’t realize is that a small change such as moving your couches in a different arrangement or changing some cushion covers can give your home a much-needed facelift.

Keep tweaking things

At home, even after our living and dining areas got the makeover I thought they needed, I’d always keep tweaking things. I’d add or move pictures or paintings, switch up the cushions, buy a throw for the sofa, or replace the trinkets on the dining table and do many other random things to ensure the space always had a fresh appeal. My parents didn’t always approve because just as they would get used to a certain thing, it would have been replaced. They disliked the bulky napkin holder I got for the dining table, but it got them so many compliments that they are still using it 10 years later, which is also something I believe you should do while decorating your space—find something that you love which works for a space and let it become the focal point of the area.

Decor affects you more than you think 

Many think home decor is for those who don’t have other pressing matters to attend to. I have a relative who always claims to be too busy to pay attention to her house. She’s good as long as it’s clean and functional. Aesthetics, she says, is the last thing on her mind. Chipping wall paint, dangling cords and wires, and a cluttered dining table makes her space unwelcoming. I want to tell her that a basic organization might help spruce things up but I hold back because who am I to judge her lifestyle choices? I just think she would benefit from a cleaner space. Studies have shown that a tidy, beautiful home makes you calmer and happier. A nice home has many psychological and physical benefits. From making you less anxious and increased productivity to better sleep and fewer allergies, a well kept home has many upsides. 

I always seem to think and feel better when my home is tidy and visually appealing. I tend to clean and decorate when I’m feeling down and it instantly makes me feel better. It’s something my mother does too.

Cost effective decorating

Unlike what most people tend to believe, redecorating your home doesn’t have to be expensive. Initially, it might cost you an arm and a leg but once you have the basics in place, then it’s only a matter of switching out a few pieces every once in a while or adding or removing an item or two depending on your budget and requirements. You shouldn’t aim for a complete makeover. Instead, focus on little things to enhance your space. If you have an open plan area, wallpaper a certain section or create an accent wall to jazz it up. Use large mirrors, either mounted on walls or on stands, at the entryway to create an illusion of space. Use large plants in your living room to bring nature indoors and infuse life in an otherwise concrete setting. There are so many ideas that you can implement that don’t cost much but will go a long way in making your space seem vibrant and stylish. 

I love how a fresh coat of paint can make an old space seem new. You don’t even have to color the walls if that seems too ambitious. You can paint your furniture or ceramic decor pieces. It adds a nice pop of color with minimal money and effort. I also enjoy changing table runners and coffee table decor items. I have a stash of them that I keep rotating according to my mood. It costs nothing and takes but a few minutes but it makes my space come alive once again.

How to own your space

However, the one thing you need to keep in mind while decorating your space is to ensure it’s true to your personality and makes you feel comfortable. Oftentimes, I see people blindly copying trends and styles they see in other homes so much so that their homes become a replica of someone else’s. There has been an instance when my husband’s colleague has copied our style and everything in their home—from their curtains to furniture pieces—looks like ours. I remember this person looking around our home with keen interest, and now it makes sense why. 

While I should be flattered, I’m appalled by people’s lack of ideas. A home isn’t just a space you inhabit. It’s an extension of your personality. The things you bring into it should make you happy and joyful. If you copy someone else’s style, it will never feel like home.

And truth be told, there is no need to copy trends or styles. Reading decor magazines and blogs, watching content on design, and even listening to decor podcasts can arm you with lots of ideas on how to personalize your space. You also need to pay attention to your own likes and comforts. What colors make you happy? Do you like ambient lighting? Or is accent lighting more your thing? How do you feel about open plan spaces? Or do you prefer enclosed cozy rooms? Deciding what you like is the basis of designing a comfortable home that you will love and enjoy.

The environment is what surrounds us. Women, with their deeper aesthetic sense, often perceive and value its beauty in ways that shape culture and tradition. Aesthetics, the philosophy of beauty and the arts of life, is closely tied to how we view and experience the environment. Environmental aesthetics, then, refers to the study of the beauty of the natural world. From ancient times, humanity has been a lover of beauty, and the secret of beauty lies in nature—the storehouse of eternal charm.

Women are the true custodians of cultural, artistic, and archaeological heritage. They play an important role in protecting the environment, serving as a constant source of strength, energy, and inspiration. In Nepal, a land blessed with mighty mountains and milky rivers—including Sagarmatha, the world’s highest peak—the natural environment has always been central to life and culture. As Kalidasa wrote in his monumental work Raghuvamsha, rivers are like mothers and mountains like fathers. Civilizations have long flourished on riverbanks, and the confluence of rivers—sangam—is considered deeply sacred. In India, Prayagraj holds this status, while in Nepal, Devghat is revered. The Bagmati is not merely a river, but a cradle of civilization, just as the Ganges embodies centuries of cultural heritage.

Water means life, symbolizing not only physical sustenance but also spiritual cleansing. Riverbanks have always been sacred spaces for men and women alike. In Nepal, married women observe the annual Swasthani ritual by fasting for twenty-four hours without a drop of water, praying for their husbands’ long lives. This ritual, performed on the banks of the Salinī River near Kathmandu, is deeply spiritual—but the river itself is polluted, posing serious health risks. Women with weakened immunity during fasting often suffer from waterborne diseases, a reminder that the environment must remain clean and pure.

Similarly, Maithil women celebrate the great folk festival Chhath by fasting for over thirty-six hours. Water is essential to this festival, yet most rivers, rivulets, and ponds used for the rituals are highly polluted. The health risks are immense. Still, Maithil women demonstrate remarkable environmental consciousness: they sanctify and purify the riverbanks, create beautiful aripan folk art, and burn sandalwood and incense to purify the surroundings. Religious devotion and environmental care are deeply intertwined in their practices. This cultural heritage reflects a duty to hand over a clean, healthy environment to future generations.

Tree worship, too, is integral to Nepali culture. Women venerate banyan trees on Batsavitri, and mango and mahua trees during marriage ceremonies—a tradition of tree cults that has endured for centuries. The message is clear: protecting green trees is essential for a pollution-free environment. Yet today, deforestation threatens Nepal’s once-famous forests. The old slogan, “Green forests are Nepal’s wealth,” feels like a memory, as brutal tree-cutting continues. One poet pleaded:

“O woodcutter,

Do not cut me.

I will give you shade,

I will give you shadow.”

This intertwining of nature and spirituality can be seen in Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, once a lush grove described as an earthly paradise. Yet archaeologists—both Nepali and foreign—have focused only on material remains, ignoring the study of ancient landscapes. The same neglect applies to sacred gardens in Janakpur, such as Manimandap and Tirhutiya Gachhi, and in Siraha, where the historic Salhes garden (Raja Phoolbari) flourishes with medicinal plants and trees. Local myths speak of miraculous flowers and divine apparitions, yet these sites remain unexplored, under threat from encroachment, and absent from tourism initiatives. Remarkably, in Salhes garden, a single woman priest continues to safeguard the ecological environment—an extraordinary tradition linking women directly to nature.

UNESCO’s role in environmental protection has also been noteworthy. Its work in Chitwan and Sagarmatha National Parks has set important examples, combining heritage conservation with biodiversity protection. By involving indigenous communities, UNESCO has fostered connections between heritage tourism, sustainability, and conservation. It also supports government policy-making and encourages dialogue on future challenges such as climate change, sustainable tourism, and digital transformation.