Peace Audit: Assessing Inclusive Governance and Federalism in Nepal
In March 2026, marking thirty years since Nepal's armed conflict began and twenty years since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, International Alert and the Mershon Center released a peace audit on Nepal's federal implementation. The report evaluates the gap between the 2015 Constitution's promises of inclusion for marginalized groups like Madhesi, Tharu, Janajati, and Dalit communities, and the lived reality. Despite formal power devolution, the study finds that federalism has struggled to deliver equitable governance or satisfy citizen aspirations, particularly among Gen Z. This disconnect contributed to widespread frustration over corruption and inequality, culminating in late 2025 protests and a historic election victory for the Rastriya Swatantra Party in March 2026. Based on qualitative fieldwork across various provinces, the audit recommends strengthening enforceable representation mechanisms, advancing gender equality, combating corruption, and supporting provincial autonomy. The findings highlight the urgent need to reform political party structures and integrate conflict sensitivity into policy design to ensure a sustainable and peaceful future for Nepal.
Wire timeline
Peace Audit: Assessing Inclusive Governance and Federalism in Nepal
In March 2026, marking thirty years since Nepal's armed conflict began and twenty years since the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, International Alert and the Mershon Center released a peace audit on Nepal's federal implementation. The report evaluates the gap between the 2015 Constitution's promises of inclusion for marginalized groups like Madhesi, Tharu, Janajati, and Dalit communities, and the lived reality. Despite formal power devolution, the study finds that federalism has struggled to deliver equitable governance or satisfy citizen aspirations, particularly among Gen Z. This disconnect contributed to widespread frustration over corruption and inequality, culminating in late 2025 protests and a historic election victory for the Rastriya Swatantra Party in March 2026. Based on qualitative fieldwork across various provinces, the audit recommends strengthening enforceable representation mechanisms, advancing gender equality, combating corruption, and supporting provincial autonomy. The findings highlight the urgent need to reform political party structures and integrate conflict sensitivity into policy design to ensure a sustainable and peaceful future for Nepal.
International Alert