By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Sushila Karki, Nepal’s former Chief Justice, has been sworn in as the interim Prime Minister, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the country’s history. The oath of office was administered by President Ramchandra Paudel following the dissolution of Parliament and the resignation of the former Prime Minister amid anti-corruption protests. Karki is highly regarded for her integrity and judicial independence, and she served as Chief Justice from 2016 to 2017. Her appointment comes with the support of the Gen-Z movement and will be closely observed during Nepal’s transitional period.
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Nepal got its first female PM, and the news has certainly stirred up a whirlwind of reactions, from cautious optimism to genuine excitement. The situation, as it unfolds, seems almost unbelievable to some. Within a matter of days, Nepal navigated a period of intense upheaval, marked by protests, political turmoil, and even allegations of violence. The speed with which things changed, and the fact that a woman has now taken the helm, has captivated many observers around the world.
The fact that Nepal’s new Prime Minister is a woman is a significant milestone. She is also the former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. She is widely seen as an anti-corruption figure, which is essential for the nation’s healing. With a background steeped in law and a reputation for integrity, she is now tasked with leading the country through a period of transition. Her primary responsibility will be to organize elections within six months and hand over power to the elected officials.
The process by which this happened is also quite fascinating. It appears that a Discord poll played a role in selecting her. This has understandably raised some eyebrows, but it also reflects the participation of the youth and the influence of digital platforms in contemporary political discourse. Although the Discord poll wasn’t the sole factor, it does highlight the level of engagement from the younger generation, often referred to as Gen Z. There were protests that erupted across the nation, with young people taking a leading role. It appears there were even leaders who voiced their support, and they made demands that were met.
The role of other key players in this situation cannot be ignored. The army’s decision to uphold democratic principles was essential to the transition. It’s worth noting the importance of the army’s stance; instead of seizing power, they chose to support the transfer of power. This allowed for the setting up of an interim government under her leadership.
Amidst the political drama, there were reports of violence and unrest. Tragically, there were casualties, with reports suggesting that protesters were also killed. A lot of the government buildings and the homes of politicians, were set ablaze, which reflects the depth of public discontent. The former prime minister’s wife was involved in the turmoil. It is a complex situation, with various accounts and perspectives.
The fact that the ex-Prime Minister’s wife was injured, is a central piece of the story. There were claims that her health condition was critical. It is worth mentioning that the former Prime Minister was the target of the protests, and his wife was also targeted, with her being burned by a fire. The details surrounding the circumstances are still emerging, with contrasting reports about what happened.
Looking at Nepal’s history, it’s evident that regime changes have been relatively frequent. There have been numerous prime ministers in the last few years alone. In this context, the shift to an interim government and the selection of a female leader presents a chance for lasting change. With the transition happening at such a rapid pace, it remains to be seen whether this can lead to stability and progress.
The coming months will be critical. The interim government must prepare for elections. The country needs to address the underlying issues that triggered the recent unrest and work towards long-term stability and development. Supporting this process is crucial, so Nepal can work towards the betterment of its people. There is hope that the new Prime Minister can take the nation forward.