Kathmandu (TDI): Nepal is on the verge of appointing former Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, as interim Prime Minister following a wave of anti‐corruption protests that forced the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
Reuters reported that according to a source involved in negotiations, Karki is expected to be announced the interim PM on Friday, after protests have relatively cooled down.
The turmoil was sparked by what protesters described as repressive measures, including a controversial social media ban. The unrest led to clashes with police, resulting in 51 deaths and more than 1,300 injuries.
Authorities say signs of a return to normalcy are appearing in Kathmandu as shops are reopening, traffic is resuming, and the heavy military presence is easing. Families are being allowed to retrieve the bodies of loved ones killed in the protests.
What has largely been described as a Gen Z revolution in Nepal forced ministers to flee and now the administrative structure is in a state of chaos, which will likely improve once the interim PM is appointed.
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At 73, Sushila Karki would be Nepal’s first female interim prime minister. She is widely respected for her record of integrity and her stance against corruption, qualities that have made her a favored candidate among the Gen Z protesters.
The formal appointment is expected to follow a meeting at the residence of President Ramchandra Paudel, which was rescheduled to this afternoon. Negotiations leading up to the decision have reportedly involved both the Presidential office and the army leadership.
The protests were one of the most severe incidents of civil unrest in Nepal in recent years. The country, which hardly makes it to news, has struggled with political instability since the monarchy was abolished in 2008.
The protest visuals keep people hooked to the unfolding situation in Nepal’s capital. Whether the formation of new government will bring political stability to this small country in South Asia, remains to be seen.
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