Nepal Parliament Dissolved as Sushila Karki Becomes Interim PM Ahead of 2026 Elections
Nepal Parliament dissolved as Sushila Karki becomes interim PM, leading six-month transition before March 2026 elections after deadly protests.
Nepal Parliament Dissolved: Sushila Karki PM Appointment Ushers Interim Leadership and Elections Set for March 2026
Nepal witnessed a historic political shift on Friday as the Nepal Parliament was officially dissolved, just hours after Sushila Karki took oath as the country’s interim Prime Minister. The announcement followed days of turmoil and anti-corruption protests that turned violent, leaving dozens dead and forcing the resignation of the previous government. The presidential office confirmed that fresh elections have been scheduled for March 5, 2026, with Karki tasked to oversee the six-month transitional period.
At 73, Sushila Karki brings both experience and symbolic significance to the role. As Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, she has been widely respected for her independence and integrity. Her appointment as interim PM was finalized after intense negotiations involving President Ram Chandra Paudel and the military leadership. During the swearing-in ceremony at the presidential palace, Karki vowed to serve the nation with honesty and dedication. “I take an oath in the name of the country and the people to fulfill my duty as the prime minister,” she said firmly. President Paudel, while congratulating her, expressed hope that her leadership would help stabilize the nation during this turbulent period.
Read more: CP Radhakrishnan Sworn in as India’s 15th Vice President at Rashtrapati Bhawan
The dissolution of Nepal Parliament and the appointment of Karki come against the backdrop of one of the deadliest waves of unrest the Himalayan nation has seen in recent years. The protests began as anti-corruption demonstrations led largely by youth activists but quickly spiraled into violent clashes with security forces. At least 51 people were killed when police and army personnel attempted to disperse crowds, marking the worst political violence since Nepal’s civil war ended and the monarchy was abolished in 2008.
With widespread anger spilling into the streets, the pressure on the former government became insurmountable. The Prime Minister resigned earlier in the week after parliament itself was set ablaze during the height of the unrest. As chaos gripped the country, the army imposed curfews and temporarily reclaimed control of the streets. It was during this crisis that talks accelerated, leading to Karki’s appointment as a consensus candidate to lead Nepal through the transition.
One of the unique aspects of this political upheaval is the role played by Nepal’s younger generation, particularly the “Gen Z” movement. These young activists, frustrated with years of corruption and political stagnation, used platforms such as Discord to organize discussions, mobilize protests, and even propose leadership alternatives. Ultimately, it was their strong demand for an honest and independent figure that brought Sushila Karki into the spotlight. Her reputation for judicial independence made her the preferred candidate not just for the protesters, but also for negotiators trying to bridge divides between the presidency, the military, and the public.
As Sushila Karki PM begins her tenure, expectations are high. Her immediate challenge will be to restore calm, rebuild trust between the government and its citizens, and ensure that the scheduled 2026 elections are free, fair, and credible. Analysts suggest that her ability to remain neutral and focus on transitional governance will be crucial. Unlike career politicians, Karki enters the role with no political baggage, a fact that may give her greater legitimacy among both the protesting youth and the international community.
The coming months will be a test of whether Nepal can navigate this volatile period without further unrest. The military, civil society, and political leaders will need to cooperate to prevent escalation. International observers are also expected to monitor the transition closely, given Nepal’s strategic importance in South Asia. For now, the dissolution of the Nepal Parliament and Karki’s rise as interim PM marks a turning point, offering both uncertainty and hope for the future of Nepalese democracy.
We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join.
Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.
