Nepal may soon witness a historic political development as former Chief Justice Sushila Karki emerges as the frontrunner to lead a caretaker government. This comes after the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli amid mounting protests that have gripped the Himalayan nation for weeks.
Public anger, particularly from Nepal’s younger generation, has been growing over allegations of corruption, poor governance, and the controversial ban on social media platforms. The protests have often turned violent, with clashes reported in several parts of Kathmandu, prompting heavy deployment of security forces and the imposition of curfews in sensitive areas.
Amid this political vacuum, protesters and civil society groups rallied around Karki, citing her integrity and reputation for independence during her tenure as the country’s first female Chief Justice. They believe she is one of the few figures trusted enough to guide Nepal through this unstable period. Reports suggest that Karki has expressed willingness to take on the interim role if formally appointed.
President Ramchandra Paudel has begun consultations with political leaders, legal experts, and constitutional advisors to explore the legal mechanism for installing a caretaker government. Observers say the challenge lies in balancing constitutional norms with urgent public demands for a neutral administration.
If appointed, Karki would not only become Nepal’s first woman prime minister, but also carry the responsibility of stabilizing the nation and preparing the ground for fresh elections. Analysts say her leadership could help calm tensions and restore some measure of trust in state institutions, though challenges such as economic instability, youth unemployment, and political divisions will remain pressing.
For now, the situation in Kathmandu remains tense. Protest leaders insist that only a genuinely neutral caretaker government can restore order, while the final decision rests with the President’s office and the wider political establishment.
