Kathmandu is preparing for a historic political moment as former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is set to take charge as the head of Nepal’s interim government. The agreement among major political forces has cleared the way for her appointment as the new Prime Minister.
Now, as she prepares to become the first woman to lead Nepal’s executive branch, all eyes are on her leadership in steering the country through this difficult and uncertain period.
According to the Office of the President, the swearing-in ceremony will take place at Shital Niwas, the President’s residence, at 9:00 tonight. President Ram Chandra Paudel will administer the oath of office.
His press adviser, Kiran Pokharel, confirmed that Karki’s formal appointment will be announced before the ceremony.
Preparations are already underway for the swearing-in, the draft of her appointment letter, and the first meeting of her new Cabinet. Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal has reached Shital Niwas to finalize arrangements.
Security chiefs, including the heads of Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department, have also arrived at the venue.
Although Karki will lead a small Cabinet, the names of the ministers have not yet been disclosed. Discussions among political representatives, the President, and military leadership ended earlier this evening, setting the stage for her assumption of office.
Karki’s appointment comes at a turbulent time. Just days ago, violent protests against corruption and political favoritism spread across the country. Demonstrators vandalized homes of senior leaders. They set fire to government buildings, and even torched the Parliament building.
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These protests ultimately forced the Prime Minister to step down, opening the path for an interim arrangement.
Sushila Karki is not new to breaking barriers. She became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice in July 2016 after being recommended by the Constitutional Council. In 2017, she faced an impeachment motion brought by the Maoist Centre and the Nepali Congress.
The move sparked widespread outrage and was eventually dropped after the Supreme Court intervened.
Karki is also known as a writer. She published her autobiography ‘Nyaya’ in 2018, followed by her novel ‘Kara’ in 2019, which was inspired by her time in prison during the Panchayat era.