Nepal's newly-appointed interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, has pledged to serve for no longer than six months, following her recent swearing-in amid significant national unrest.
I did not wish for this job. It was after voices from the streets that I was compelled to accept, Karki addressed the nation for the first time since her appointment. She indicated her intent to hand over power to a new government that will be formed following elections scheduled for 5 March next year.
Karki's ascension to power follows a period of intense protests, during which over 70 lives were lost, including those of three police personnel. The protests erupted following a controversial ban on social media platforms and quickly escalated into violent demonstrations against the ruling government.
Taking her oath of office after negotiations with leaders of the 'Gen Z' movement, Karki noted the importance of aligning her administration’s actions with the demands of the younger generation. She expressed a commitment to tackling corruption, ensuring good governance, and advancing economic equality.
What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality, she stated. The interim administration now bears the considerable challenge of restoring public order and repairing the damages inflicted on political structures during the protests.
Karki, who previously served as the chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court, is perceived as a figure of integrity, although her earlier tenure was marked by significant controversies and an impeachment incident. Her leadership begins at a crucial juncture, as she must navigate through the restoration of trust in democracy while addressing the pressing concerns of the populace.
As her government embarks on this interim mission, Karki's leadership will be pivotal in either reaffirming Nepal's commitment to its democratic ideals or challenging its constitutional foundations.
