CaliToday (13/9/2025): Following a period of intense political uncertainty and youth-led protests, Nepal is now led by an interim government headed by Prime Minister Sushila Karki. She is the nation's first-ever female prime minister and took office on September 12, 2025. Her appointment marks a significant moment in Nepali politics.
The primary mandate of her government is to guide the country toward fresh parliamentary elections, which have been scheduled for March 5, 2026.
A Historic Appointment
Sushila Karki's rise to the premiership is a landmark event for Nepal. Before taking on this role, she had already broken barriers as the first female Chief Justice of the country's Supreme Court. Throughout her judicial career, she earned a formidable reputation for her integrity and unwavering stance against corruption.
Her appointment came after the resignation of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, whose government faced widespread "Gen Z" demonstrations. The youth-led protests were sparked by anger over allegations of corruption and a controversial government ban on several major social media platforms. The protesters demanded the dissolution of parliament and the formation of a neutral interim government, a demand that was met with Karki's appointment.
Path to New Elections
As the head of the interim government, Prime Minister Karki's foremost responsibility is to ensure a free, fair, and timely election. Within days of taking office, she recommended the dissolution of the House of Representatives, which President Ramchandra Paudel promptly enacted, officially setting the date for the next general election.
Prime Minister Karki has already begun working closely with Nepal's Election Commission to oversee the necessary preparations. Key discussions have focused on:
Election Management: Planning the logistical and operational aspects of a nationwide poll.
Legal Amendments: Updating necessary laws, including the Voter Registration Act, to ensure a smooth process.
Resource Planning: Securing the budget and resources required for the election.
Her government is tasked with maintaining stability and performing essential state functions while remaining politically neutral, ensuring a level playing field for all parties in the upcoming polls. Her leadership is seen as a crucial step in restoring political faith after a period of significant social and political unrest.
