Nepal is going through a period of major political and social unrest. In the middle of this crisis, President Ramchandra Paudel is expected to appoint Sushila Karki, the country’s first female prime minister, on Friday. Reports say her name has been suggested by the youth-led Gen Z protest group, which has been at the front of the ongoing anti-government movement.
The situation remains tense in Kathmandu and across the country, but there are signs of negotiations between the protesters, political leaders, and the President’s office to find a solution within the constitutional framework.
On Thursday night, President Paudel held several meetings with political leaders, the Army chief, and constitutional experts. The discussions lasted until midnight but ended without a clear decision. Despite the inconclusive talks, the Gen Z protest group strongly pushed for Sushila Karki’s name as the next prime minister.
Two main options were reportedly considered during the consultations. One was to dissolve Parliament and hold fresh elections, and the other was to retain Parliament and find a consensus candidate. For now, the protesting groups appear willing to stay within constitutional limits while pressing for change.
Sushila Karki, who previously served as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, has emerged as a strong and widely accepted choice among the names discussed. Others considered included Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, former Nepal Electricity Authority CEO Kulman Ghising, and Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang. However, the youth groups see Karki as a symbol of integrity and reform, making her the frontrunner.
The urgency of finding a new leader comes after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday. His resignation came just hours after thousands of protesters stormed his office, demanding he step down. The protests had turned violent, leading to the deaths of at least 19 people in clashes with security forces. Following his resignation, President Paudel stated that Oli’s cabinet will continue handling government work until a new Council of Ministers is appointed.
The unrest began earlier in the week after widespread anger over corruption scandals and a sudden ban on social media platforms. The ban was lifted on Monday night, but by then the protests had already escalated. Over the course of two days, the Ministry of Health confirmed that 34 people have died. Around 1,338 are being treated in hospitals, while nearly 949 have been discharged after receiving medical care.
The protests also led to large-scale chaos in the country’s prisons. Reports say more than 15,000 inmates escaped from over 25 prisons when violence broke out. In one recent incident, three inmates were killed and 13 others injured after clashes with security personnel in Ramechhap district prison in Madhesh province.
To maintain order, the Nepal Army has taken control of security in key areas, especially the Kathmandu Valley. Overnight curfews have been imposed, though temporary relaxation is given to let people manage daily activities. On Friday morning, restrictions were eased between 7 am and 11 am. Later, people were allowed to move freely from 5 pm to 7 pm before the night curfew returned from 7 pm to 6 am.
Despite the strict measures, the protests are not completely under control. Many streets in Kathmandu and other cities remain under heavy security watch. Protesters, however, continue to demand accountability, calling for leaders who are honest and transparent.
ALSO READ: France rocked by violent protests as political crisis meets public anger
The possible appointment of Sushila Karki as Nepal’s first woman prime minister is seen as a turning point for the Himalayan nation. Karki is widely respected for her past judicial role, where she was known for her fearless judgments. Her leadership may bring stability and hope to a country shaken by violence and political uncertainty.
However, challenges remain. The deep frustration of young protesters, the anger over corruption, and the prison break incidents have all added to the complexity of the crisis. Even if Karki takes charge, she will have to manage not only governance but also rebuilding trust among the people.
For now, Nepal waits for President Paudel’s official announcement. Whether this move can calm the protests and bring the country back on track remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the demand for change, led by the youth of Nepal, has reshaped the political landscape.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash