World Affairs

Nepal Elects First Female Prime Minister.

Nepal has taken a momentous step in its political history by naming Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice of Nepal, as interim Prime Minister. This marks the first time a woman will hold the top executive office in the country.

What led to this development

Widespread anti-corruption protests, led mainly by youths under the banner Gen Z, shook Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal. Demonstrations began after the government imposed a controversial social media ban. While the ban was eventually lifted, the protests expanded in scope to reflect deeper grievances about corruption, nepotism, economic inequalities, and lack of accountability in governance.

The unrest escalated quickly. Clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in dozens of deaths and many injuries. Public buildings, including parliament, were stormed or set aflame. It became apparent that Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli no longer enjoyed legitimate control or trust. Under mounting pressure, including negotiations with protest leaders and intervention from the military, Oli resigned.

Who is Sushila Karki

Sushila Karki is a jurist known for her integrity and anti-corruption stance. Born on 7 June 1952 in Biratnagar, Morang District, she earned degrees from Tribhuvan University and Banaras Hindu University. She became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, serving from 2016 to 2017, during which she made several bold rulings, especially in corruption cases. Though she faced political backlash, including an attempted impeachment, she remained widely respected and retired with that reputation intact.

The transition and her mandate

President Ram Chandra Poudel formally administered the oath of office to Karki on 12 September 2025, making her Nepal’s interim Prime Minister. The appointment came after negotiations involving the president, the army chief, protest leaders, and civilian representatives. The President also dissolved parliament and announced fresh elections slated for 5 March 2026.

Her government’s responsibilities include restoring public order, investigating violence and corruption that came to light during the protests, and ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted freely, fairly, and credibly. Many hope that she will bring in a new era of transparency.

Significance and challenges

Karki’s appointment is deeply symbolic. It shows that civic pressure, especially from young people, can force significant political change. It is also a landmark for women’s leadership in Nepal.

Yet she faces many challenges. The scale of destruction from the protests is high. Rebuilding trust in institutions, bringing those responsible for violence to justice, and navigating constitutional and political uncertainties will demand political skill and courage. Her lack of experience leading an executive government is also noted by some analysts, though her legal reputation gives her credibility.