Nepal is going through a very dramatic moment in politics. After days of street protests led by young people, an important meeting took place in Kathmandu on Thursday. President Ram Chandra Poudel, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, and Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel sat down at the army headquarters in Bhadrakali to talk about who should become the new interim prime minister.
This meeting comes after the sudden resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli earlier this week. His exit followed the “Gen Z uprising,” a youth-led movement that started on Monday.
Thousands of young protesters took to the streets demanding change. And, the demonstrations quickly turned into violent clashes with security forces.
The protesters, along with Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, have shown strong support for Sushila Karki. Many believe she could be a fair and independent choice to lead the country through this crisis. In fact, a vote among the Gen Z supporters clearly favoured her name.
But there is a big problem. President Poudel has taken the position that someone outside Parliament cannot be appointed as prime minister. Since Karki is a former Chief Justice and not a sitting lawmaker, this has created a major deadlock. The disagreement has left the public confused and anxious.
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Meanwhile, the protesting youth groups have set a strict deadline. They warned that if Karki is not appointed as prime minister by 11 p.m. Thursday, they will surround the President’s Office in protest. The tension is rising by the hour.
Adding to the debate, some groups argue that the constitution itself blocks former Chief Justices from taking the top political post.
Despite this, her name has become a rallying point for young people who say traditional politicians have failed them.
Right now, the talks between Poudel, Karki, and the army leadership are still happening. But as the clock ticks closer to the deadline, Nepal is holding its breath.