The New Political Order in Nepal: Awaiting Transition

Screen Grab US Embassy in Kathmandu Through Wikipedia Commons

Sushila Karki is Gen Z choice supporting democratic, non-corrupt and non-elitist forces even as traditional parties attempt to stay relevant with uncertainties likely to be resolved in a day or two.

After tumultuous week, Nepal may finally see some order as  Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Sushila Karki is likely to head of the interim government as per a report in My Republica of  0700 AM today [12 Sep]

A consensus was reportedly reached in the Office of the President in Sheetal Niwas on Sep 11 in a meeting convened by President Ram Chandra Paudel with Ms Karki in the presence of Nepali Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel to initiate the process of appointing an interim leader.

Over six hours of discussions were held and Karki is set to be appointed as interim Prime Minister and administer her the oath of office and secrecy.

This comes after Gen Z formally proposed Karki which was backed by Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen), and Army Chief Sigdel.

The names of former chief justice Sushila Karki, Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, former Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) CEO Kulman Ghising and Dharan mayor Harka Sampang emerged as the strongest contenders for the role of interim prime minister.

Sushila Karki, widely backed by Gen Z, is recognised for her firm stand against corruption. She became Nepal’s first female chief justice in July 2016, serving until June 2017.

Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, had been a leading choice for the youth. Kulman Ghising, former CEO of the NEA, was another prominent candidate. 

Harka Raj Rai, known popularly as Harka Sampang, the independent mayor of Dharan was another name favoured by young protesters.  Karki may have been finally approved due to her experience and seniority to lead the country into an uncertain period of transition.

Political parties are however urging that the changeover should be based on the Constitution and restoration of the parliament, which is another contentious issue.

However, the issue of dissolving Parliament remains unsettled, so how this pans out remains to be seen.

It also remains to be seen what role the ruling coalition which is discredited plans to play in the coming days. Gen Z are also wary of spoilers as monarchists attempting to sway the public, but there is a strong momentum for sustenance of democracy.

External actors as India, China or the United States are presently not visible openly to avoid a backlash but maybe playing a role behind the scenes.