Sushila Karki Makes History in Nepal

Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, has taken oath as the country’s new Prime Minister, thereby also becoming Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister.

She was sworn in on Friday, 12 September, at the Presidential Palace in Kathmandu, in the presence of the nation’s top leaders, dignitaries, and senior officials.

In the midst of ongoing uncertainty, President Ram Chandra Paudel appointed her as Prime Minister in line with the demands of Gen-Z protesters, according to a report by the BBC.

The President’s International Affairs Adviser, Suresh Chandra Chalise, stated that Sushila Karki was appointed “in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.”

Meanwhile, the President’s Press Adviser, Kiran Pokharel, confirmed that the government would consult with the Cabinet to determine the next steps, following calls from protesters to dissolve the House of Representatives.

Chalise also hinted at upcoming decisions:

• Formation of a consensus-based cabinet.
• Proposal to dissolve Parliament (House of Representatives) in the next Cabinet meeting.
• Preparations for declaring a state of emergency.
• Announcement of a general election date.

He added that these measures were being undertaken to handle the “uncomfortable and embarrassing situation” that had developed in the country, and expressed hope that President Paudel’s actions would bring an end to the crisis.

The appointment comes against the backdrop of a powerful youth-led protest movement.

• Gen-Z protesters, after weeks of demonstrations, had nominated Sushila Karki as Prime Minister through virtual voting.
• During the protests, 19 people were reported killed, intensifying demands for change.
• The day after these deaths were reported, Karki visited Baneshwor, the protest site, and also met with injured demonstrators undergoing treatment in hospitals.

Sushila Karki’s elevation to the premiership marks a historic turning point for Nepal, both as the first woman to lead the government and as a symbol of constitutional and democratic transition amidst social unrest.

The move is seen as a direct response to public pressure and is expected to set the course for emergency governance and new elections in the coming months.