Nepal Political Crisis: 6 Shocking Turns After Oli’s Exit

Nepal Political Crisis – Sushila Karki Appointed First Woman Prime Minister

• Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the new Prime Minister of Nepal on September 12, 2025.
• The President dissolved the Parliament on the recommendation of Ms. Karki and announced fresh general elections on March 5, 2026.
• This came after massive protests led by Gen Z campaigners, demanding the resignation of former PM K.P. Sharma Oli and the dissolution of Parliament.

Key Points: Nepal Political Crisis 

Historic Appointment:

• Sushila Karki became the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal.
• She was earlier the first woman Chief Justice of Nepal (2016-2017).

Dissolution of Parliament:

• A core demand of Gen Z protesters was to dissolve Parliament to prevent old political parties from retaining control and influence.
• President Poudel dissolved Parliament after extensive consultations with legal experts and political leaders.
• Ensured that the step remained within constitutional limits.

Political Turmoil in Nepal:

• Mass protests erupted against corruption, unemployment, and political mismanagement.
• Former PM K.P. Sharma Oli’s government collapsed on September 9, 2025.
• The Army acted as a facilitator, maintaining peace and order during the protests.

Upcoming Elections:

• Fresh general elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
• Sushila Karki’s interim government will oversee free and fair elections.

Legal Concerns:

• Questions arose about the constitutional validity of appointing a PM before dissolving Parliament.
• Constitutional expert Bipin Adhikari stated that it was a “remedial measure” and unlikely to be challenged in court.

About Chief Justice Sushila Karki:

• Born: 1952 (Age 73)
• Firsts:

• First woman Chief Justice of Nepal (2016-2017).
• Now, first woman Prime Minister of Nepal.

• Reputation: Known for integrity, impartiality, and strong stance against corruption.
• Judicial Contributions:

• Strengthened judicial independence.
• Delivered landmark judgments promoting transparency and accountability.

• Current Role: Leading an interim government to guide Nepal through its transition phase until elections.

Background – Nepal’s Political Chaos:

Fall of K.P. Sharma Oli Government:

• Accusations of corruption, authoritarianism, and poor governance.
• Failure to address youth unemployment and economic stagnation.
• Steady public anger culminated in massive protests across Nepal.
• On September 9, 2025, Oli resigned amid growing pressure from protesters and the Army.

Rise of Gen Z Movement:

• Youth-led protests spearheaded by new-generation activists.
• Led by Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a prominent voice for reform.
• Core Demands:
  1. Dissolution of Parliament.
  2. Appointment of a non-political figure as PM.
  3. Conduct of free and fair elections under a neutral interim government.

Role of the Army:

• Acted as a neutral mediator and peacekeeping force.
• Maintained law and order during widespread protests.
• Facilitated dialogue between stakeholders to avoid escalation.

President’s Dilemma:

• Initially hesitant to dissolve Parliament before appointing a new PM.
• Concerned about a potential constitutional crisis.
• After intense consultations with legal experts and political leaders, he agreed to the protesters’ demands to maintain stability and peace.

Implications for Nepal:

Positive Implications:

• Break from entrenched political elites and opening space for reform.
• Increased women’s participation in governance.
• Empowerment of youth voices in policymaking.
• Opportunity to rebuild public trust in democratic institutions.

Challenges Ahead:

• Maintaining political stability until elections are held.
• Risk of violence or sabotage from traditional political forces.
• Building transparent and accountable governance structures.
• Economic recovery amid political uncertainty.

Conclusion:

Nepal is at a historic turning point, with the appointment of Sushila Karki marking a significant step towards inclusive leadership and political reform.
While the dissolution of Parliament and upcoming elections represent a chance for renewed democracy, the interim government faces the challenge of balancing stability and reform in a deeply polarized environment.