KATHMANDU – In a significant development amid escalating national turmoil, Nepal's Gen Z-led protest movement has formally proposed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to serve as the nation's interim Prime Minister.
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| Sushila Karki | Photo credit- @RONBupdates |
Nepalese media reported on the evening of September 10th that members of the protest movement reached a consensus to nominate Ms. Karki, the former head of the country's Supreme Court, to lead a transitional government. The decision was made following a nearly four-hour virtual meeting where participants agreed that no youth leaders affiliated with established political parties should be involved in leadership discussions, ensuring a neutral choice.
Ms. Karki, born in 1952, was selected for her widely respected neutrality and integrity, having no known political affiliations. She is a historic figure in Nepal, renowned for being the first and only woman to have held the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
A Distinguished Career in Law and Justice
Sushila Karki built a prominent career focused on legal practice and judicial reform after studying political science and law. Her academic journey includes a Bachelor of Arts from Mahendra Morang Campus in Biratnagar (1972), a master's degree in political science from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India (1975), and a law degree from Tribhuvan University in Nepal (1978).
She began her legal practice in Biratnagar in 1979 and also worked as an assistant professor at Mahendra Multiple Campus in Dharan in 1985. She was appointed a Senior Advocate in 2007. Her ascent in the judiciary began with her appointment as an ad-hoc Justice at the Supreme Court in 2009, becoming a permanent Justice in 2010.
Ms. Karki served as Acting Chief Justice in 2016 before being confirmed as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a position she held from 2016 to 2017. During her tenure, she presided over numerous landmark cases related to transitional justice and electoral disputes, cementing the judiciary's role as a pillar for safeguarding democracy.
Nomination Amidst National Crisis
The proposal to install Ms. Karki as interim leader comes as anti-corruption protests, largely driven by Nepal's youth (Gen Z), have spiraled into violence. The situation intensified dramatically after the government proposed a ban on social media platforms, which have been crucial for the movement's organization.
The unrest has resulted in at least 22 deaths as protesters clashed with security forces. In a wave of anger, demonstrators have set fire to the parliament building, the presidential and prime ministerial residences, political party headquarters, and the private homes of senior leaders.
