Nepal’s former chief justice, Sushila Karki, was sworn in as the country’s first woman prime minister on Friday night in a ceremony at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas. President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy, marking a historic moment in Nepal’s political history. The interim government has been mandated to hold elections within six months.
Karki took office three days after former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following massive nationwide protests. Vice President Ram Sahay Yadav and Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Rawat were also present at the swearing-in ceremony. Hours after Karki assumed office, Nepal’s parliament was dissolved.
Soon after her oath, Karki convened her first Cabinet meeting and proposed holding general elections on March 4, 2026. She may also recommend imposing a state of emergency to swiftly restore order, with the president expected to approve the Cabinet’s recommendation.
At 73, Karki, Nepal’s first and only female chief justice, is celebrated for her integrity, honesty, and strong stand against corruption. She emerged as the preferred candidate of Gen Z protesters, whose demands for the dissolution of Parliament and her appointment as interim prime minister were ultimately accepted after marathon talks with the Army chief and the president.
The Indian government welcomed the formation of Karki’s interim government, expressing hope that it would help foster peace and stability. In a statement, India highlighted its commitment to working closely with Nepal as a fellow democracy and long-term development partner.
The protests that preceded Karki’s appointment were the deadliest in decades, claiming at least 51 lives on September 8. Political unrest and economic instability have long plagued Nepal, with many young people forced to migrate abroad for work due to a lack of domestic opportunities.
